Category Archives: Volunteer Opportunities

for any volunteer opportunities – creek cleanups, food drives, board openings, etc.

Association, Events, Newsletter, Volunteer Opportunities

All the News that Fits December 2020

Hello neighbors, a lot going on in Austin. We try to inform folks of events impacting the ‘hood. We also try and update events/happenings from our neighbors.
Missing something, let us know. Thanks
Best wishes for a Happy and healthy Holiday Season!

BCNA Officer Elections – December 8, 2020

The Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association held its annual officer’s election at the General Association Meeting on Tuesday, December 8.
We are a volunteer organization and depend on those neighbors who are willing to donate time and energy to make sure our interests are represented at City boards and commissions, at the Austin Neighborhood Council and with Austin City Council. Our officers and committees deal with zoning issues, traffic problems and neighborhood parks; manage our funds, maintain the web site and publish newsletters.
Attached is positions descriptions HERE:
We are also looking for volunteers to serve on Committees for Parks, Traffic, and Zoning issues.
We asked each candidate to provide us with a short statement. In the spirit of the League of Women Voters, these statements are unedited.
Slate of candidates statements HERE:

Congratulations to all of the Officers and Sector Representatives elected or re-elected last night!
And a heartfelt Thank You to those of you who are leaving office: first and foremost, Jesse Moore for three years as President, also Kate Francis(VP Neighborhood Issues),
Mimi Martinez McKay (Communications), Robert Cantu (Lavender Sector) and
Sue Mercado Vincent (Orange)
Below is the slate with everyone’s contact information.
The Election Committee is herewith disbanded until next year.
Ingrid

President:
Paul Strange strange20@msn.com
Vice President – Neighborhood Issues:
Aaron Scruggs, aaron@scrug.gs
Back-up Nadia Barulich, nadiabarulich@gmail.com
Vice President – External Affairs:
Thom Parker, tnkparker@aol.com
Communications Director:
Denise Zucco dbzucco1@gmail.com
Treasurer:
Ronnie Dittmar rdittmar@gmail.com
Secretary:
Matt Coldwell mattcold@icloud.com
Sector Representatives
Green Sector: Nick Sargologos nick.sargologos@gmail.com
N/S borders: Oltorf to south side of Mary
E/W borders: Railroad tracks to west side of South First
Back-up: Melynda Nuss mellynuss@yahoo.com
The Purple Sector: Paul Langley langleyp@gmail.com
Oltorf to south side of Mary
East side of South First to west side of S. Congress
The Blue Sector: Rebecca Harrell blueSectorrep78704@gmail.com
North side of Mary to south side of Monroe
Railroad tracks to west side of South First
The Yellow Sector: Jeff Seiden jeff@techbizdev.com
back-up : Jody Zemel, nonalignedgeek@gmail.com
North side of Mary to South side of Deaf School/South of Nellie
West side of South First to west side of S. Congress
The Pink Sector: Scottee Downing scottee.downing@gmail.com
back-up: Stephanie Scholten, stephanielscholten@gmail.com
North side of Monroe South side of Columbus
Railroad tracks to west side of South First
The Orange Sector: Ross Wilson rossleewilson@gmail.com
North side of Columbus to Barton Springs Road
Railroad Tracks and west side of Bouldin Creek
The Brown Sector: Cameron Zuniga cameron.zuniga@utexas.edu
Copeland to Barton Springs Road
East Side of Bouldin Creek to west side of South First
The Aqua Sector (Sector Rep Needed)
Southside of Deaf School to Lady Bird Lake
West side of South First to East Side of South Congress
Appointed, not Elected: These need to be confirmed/changed at the next Steering Committee meeting.
Zoning – Paul Strange
Parks – Ingrid Weigand
Traffic –Thom Parker
Communications Volunteers:
Bouldin Bulletin Newsletter
Publisher – John Shobe jshobe2400@gmail.com
Bulletin Coordinator — Ronnie Dittmar rdittmar@gmail.com
Ads – Kristie Sorenson-Hyatt kris@evastreetproperties.com
Bouldin Creek Website https://www.bouldincreek.org/
Website Administrator- Rob Clayton

Bouldin Bulletin
Hot off the press is the December Bouldin Bulletin.
The same good stuff you might have read while drinking a cup of coffee —but in digital form. HERE:
Thanks to John Shobe, our Publisher, Ronnie Dittmar, our editor and Rob Clayton our web admin.,for bringing us into a new world of digital publishing – a potentially more mobile-friendly, color, version of the Bouldin Bulletin.

Yahoo forums end December 15
Bouldin Forum Listserve is moving to BCNAforum@groups.io
As you might know, Yahoo Groups will cease to exist December 15.
You should have received an invitation to participate which you need to accept in order to activate your membership.
When you click on the link, you can set your password to the group and make a choice of how to receive your e-mails:
1) Each individual one
2) Digest – you receive an e-mail once there are more 12 messages
3) Daily – you’ll receive a daily e-mail with all notifications
4) Special Notices only
Subscribe: BCNAForum+subscribe@groups.io.
Be sure to include your full name and address of residence in Bouldin Creek.
Post: BCNAForum@groups.io
Unsubscribe: BCNAForum+unsubscribe@groups.io
Group Owner: BCNAForum+owner@groups.io
Help: BCNAForum+help@groups.io

As a reminder, I am attaching a copy of BCNA’s Netiquette which was approved at last week’s General Association meeting HERE

Trail of Lights December 2020
A vehicle admission ticket is required for drive-thru admission at the Austin Trail of Lights nightly. … A limited number of vehicles will be permitted to access the 2020 Austin Trail of Lights per each time slot.

SUFFRAGE NOW- August 6-January 31
SUFFRAGE NOW: A 19th Amendment Centennial Exhibition at the Elisabet Ney Museum
Centennial of the Ratification of the 19th Amendment. Ratified August 18, 1920
The passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920 guaranteed women the right to vote.
Presented at Elisabet Ney Museum
From slavery to women’s rights!
13th Amendment 1865 “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
14th Amendment 1868
approved by Congress in 1866 and ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all persons
“born or naturalized in the United States,” including former slaves, and guaranteed “equal protection of the laws” to all citizens.
15th Amendment 1870 granted Black men the right to vote
which stated that voting rights could not be “denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
19th Amendment 1920 guaranteed women the right to vote.
(Editor: Just a reminder ladies that equality didn’t come easy or quickly. Only took another 50 years!)


EVENTS DOWN THE HILL
Whether you’re interested in avoiding traffic, parking issues, or strolling to a good time, here are the websites to discover the goings on and of which to be aware:
LONG CENTER
PALMER AUDITORIUM


BCNA Meeting Schedules:
Note: All meetings subject to change during current health regulations.
Currently meetings are arranged via Zoom meetings.
More information as available.
BCNA General Association Meeting:
2ndTuesday, every other month
BCNA Steering Committee Meeting:
1st Monday, each month
BCNA Zoning Committee Meeting:
3rd Monday each month
Meetings at 6:45pm Via Zoom for now!
The High Road, 700 Dawson Road-when back to normal?


Association, Events, Volunteer Opportunities, Zoning and Permits

BCNA General Association Meeting October 13, 2020

Hello neighbors, a lot going on in Austin. We try to inform folks of events impacting the ‘hood. We also try and update events/happenings from our neighbors.
Missing something, let us know. Thanks

Hello neighbors–Hope everyone is doing well. There will be a remote BCNA meeting next Tuesday, October 13 starting at 6:45 via Zoom. Links and info for the remote meeting and agenda below. Look forward to seeing you there. Thanks–Jesse, BCNA Prez
To Join:
Join via app: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83067337962
Join via phone: +1-346-248-7799, access code 830-673-37962#
Agenda:
6:45–Convene
6:50–Update on BCNA donations, SoCo parking study, & Schlotzsky’s PUD vote plus note on upcoming bond elections
6:55–Discussion of Art-In-Public Places online survey
7:00–Discussion of 2021 meeting schedule (considering 4 meetings per year rather than 6)
7:05–Discussion of upcoming BCNA elections
7:10–Final vote on by-law amendment and brief update on ad-hoc research committee
7:15–Discussion of change to online Bouldin Forum and vote on recommended guidelines (see guidelines that are hopefully attached)
7:25–Discussion and vote on recommendation to change sector boundaries & add a sector (see map that is hopefully attached)
7:35–Discussion of end of “Safe Streets” Program and potential vote to extend same
7:45–Adjourn
Minutes HERE

BCNA Meeting Schedules:
Note: All meetings subject to change during current health regulations.
Currently meetings are arranged via Zoom meetings.
More information as available.

BCNA General Association Meeting:
2ndTuesday, every other month
BCNA Steering Committee Meeting:
1st Monday, each month
BCNA Zoning Committee Meeting:
3rd Monday each month
Meetings at 6:45pm
The High Road, 700 Dawson Road-when back to normal?
Bouldin Forum Listserve
To Subscribe, please email: bouldinforum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Be sure to include your full name and address of residence in Bouldin Creek.

Events, Parks and Rec, Volunteer Opportunities

It’s My Parks Day with Special Event

Neighbors,
Our 29th Annual Creek Cleaning Party was a resounding success!
Close to 80 neighbors and community members hauled out about 60-70 bags of trash plus larger items out of East Bouldin Creek and Nicholas Dawson Park, as well as Ricky Guerrero Park and the West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt. In addition, we widened trails, weeded beds and removed cats claw.
Thank you all so much!
When we were done, we enjoyed tacos donated by El Mercado (their 29th year of supporting our efforts – please be sure to thank them when you visit) and pizza contributed by the BCNA Parks fund. We also had the pleasure of previewing GiGi Miller’s art and creating tiles that she will use in her Art-in-Public-Places installation at Ricky G.
Altogether, a beautiful day.

Please follow this link https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLQETsE to see photos from Saturday’s creek cleaning and park maintenance, as well as GiGi Miller’s art presentation and tile-making session.
Thanks,
Ingrid Weigand
BCNA Parks Committee
512-663-4632

Hello neighbors
It’s My Parks Day is on March 7th and this year Bouldin is pairing our 29th annual Bouldin Creek cleaning with a community art project by Austin artist, Gigi Miller, the local artist who was selected by the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places program to create a sculpture for Ricky Guerrero Park.
The clean-up kicks off at 8:30am at Ricky Guerrero Park with coffee and some breakfast snacks. From there we shall spread out to various locations along the creeks. Please bring gloves and be prepared to get muddy; wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy shoes. We’ll supply trash bags.

At 11:30am we return to Ricky Guerrero Park for lunch from local vendors. From 11:30am-2:00pm we will have a community art presentation with artist Gigi Miller.

Gigi Miller (http://www.gigimiller.com) is the local artist who was selected by the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places program to create a sculpture for Ricky Guerrero Park. She spoke at our last General Assembly meeting in February about two possible designs for sculptures for the park. Over the coming weeks, she is asking for community feedback on which design the residents of Bouldin would prefer to see implemented, pending AIPP Panel approval. Gigi created two working design models for the neighborhood to vote on. They are fun, interactive, and take the history of Austin, Bouldin, and Ricky Guerrero into account.

The beauty of Gigi’s designs is that they are collaborative. Community members will be invited on March 7th (11:30am-2pm) to come to Ricky Guerrero Park to make ceramic tiles that will incorporated into the finished work. Your tile will be seen on the sculpture for decades to come, so please come and participate in this community event. We’ll also be voting on which design you like best. If you are unable to attend the event but still want to provide feedback, please email Gigi at art4rickygpark@gmail.com

Check out Tile Party Flier HERE

Below are models of proposed project: Note that bottom 2 images are same model-2 different views-front and back.

Association, Parks and Rec, Volunteer Opportunities

BCNA Steering Committee Meeting 03-02-2020

Monday March 2nd BCNA Steering Committee Meeting

SC meeting agenda
6:45-50–Review prior minutes (Matt)
6:50-55–February GA meeting recap (for my benefit) & brief RPP update (Jesse)
6:55-00–LDC update & brief discussion (Jesse)
7:00-05–Discussion of Travis County GOP petition to criminalize homelessness (Jesse, see below)
7:05-7:10–Sector reassignment update (Kate, Stephanie, et al.)
7:10-15–Waterfront board & SoCo parking study updates (Jeff, as needed )
7:15-25–Parks update including grant & upcoming Park Day (Ingrid)
7:25-30–Budget update (Ronnie, as needed)
7:30-35–Zoning update (Paul, as needed)
7:35-7:50–Communications discussion, including listserv & website (Mimi, Matt, Gary et al.)
7:50-55–Sector updates (as needed)

Thanks–Jesse

Minutes from March 2nd BCNA Steering Committee Meeting HERE

Association, Newsletter, Volunteer Opportunities

All the News that Fits December 2019

Hello neighbors, a lot going on in Austin in the spring. We try to inform folks of events impacting the ‘hood. We also try and update events/happenings from our neighbors.
Missing something, let us know. Thanks

Hot off the press is the Dec.-Jan. Bouldin Bulletin.
The same good stuff you might have read while drinking a cup of coffee —but in digital form.
With more election information HERE but note a correction for Secretary position-still open.

BCNA Officer Elections – December 10, 2019

The Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association will hold its annual officer’s election at the next General Association Meeting on Tuesday, December 10.
We are a volunteer organization and depend on those neighbors who are willing to donate time and energy to make sure our interests are represented at City boards and commissions, at the Austin Neighborhood Council and with Austin City Council. Our officers and committees deal with zoning issues, traffic problems and neighborhood parks; manage our funds, maintain the web site and publish newsletters.

As always, we will take nominations from the floor at the meeting. You have to be a registered member of BCNA as of November 30, in order to be a candidate or to vote.

Below is a slate of candidates that have announced their intention to run for office at this time. We are also looking for volunteers to serve on Committees for Parks, Traffic, and Zoning issues. We asked each candidate to provide us with a short statement. In the spirit of the League of Women Voters, these statements are unedited.

Note that we still need 3 volunteer candidates-Secretary, Lavender and Blue Sector Representatives.

The President is the primary spokesperson of the BCNA. S/he presides at all meetings of BCNA general membership and the Executive Committee, makes appointments with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee, and cosigns all checks drawn on the account of BCNA.
Candidate: Jesse Moore, Incumbent
I am terminally ambivalent and therefore tend to be more process-oriented than results-oriented. My main goal as President is to foster an environment that encourages people to both listen to each other and speak up. I find this to be a very challenging job and I know my fellow committee and officer volunteers do as well. I cannot express my gratitude to them and to all BCNA members who participate in their own way year after year, decade after decade.

The Vice President – Neighborhood Issues shall assist and support committees related to zoning, development, parks and traffic. S/he will preside at BCNA meetings when necessary due to the absence of the president.
Candidate: Kate Francis, Curent Lavender Sector Re
In the 2 short years I’ve been involved with BCNA, my favorite part has been meeting new neighbors and getting to know all of the stories and histories of Bouldin Creek. I’d like to have more community get-togethers in the coming year so that the neighborhood association continues to grow with both old and new faces – events like happy hours, park pot lucks, movie and theatre outings and the like. I’m hoping to organize another monthly social meeting in addition to last-Friday-of-the-month Happy Hour at El Mercado. If you are a local business owner and want to host an event, please get in touch!

The Vice President – External Affairs shall assist and support activities related to community ambassadors, neighborhood-wide social events, creek clean ups, neighborhood outreach, resource persons and serves as the Austin Neighborhood Council Representative.
Candidate: Paul Strange, Incumbent
When I was working there was a lot of travel involved in my job. Consequently, volunteer activities were not an option. Now that I’m retired I have an opportunity to get involved and there is no better place to do it than in the community in which we have chosen to live. I started out delivering Bulletins and then was elected as the Orange Sector Representative. Now as VP External Affairs I get to represent BCNA and share our interests and concerns with the Austin Neighborhoods Council and other community groups. I’m running for reelection to continue in that important position.

Communications Director – shall assist with and support activities related to information dissemination, newsletter publication, web sites and other mass media.
Candidate: Mimi Martinez McKay
As a longtime Bouldin resident and property owner (1994), I’ve reaped the benefits of the terrific work of all those actively contributing to BCNA and am ready to give back by serving as the Communications Director. I trust my professional background in communications for several government entities (including federal, state and county) will be valuable should you select me for this position. The specific focus of my work over the past 20 years has been on implementing policies to improve services for those dealing with serious mental health issues which is certainly a critical issue for Bouldin and many other neighborhoods throughout our city.

Treasurer – shall assist and support activities related to finance, including account record keeping, fund deposit and withdrawals, and other related business management with respect to fundraising. The Treasurer shall co-sign all checks drawn on the account of BCNA; s/he will give a full report of all accounts on a monthly basis to the Executive Committee and shall keep the General Association apprised of all transactions on BCNA accounts.
Candidate: Ronnie Dittmar
I’ve been Treasurer several times in recent years, subject to term limits. Since the current Treasurer is moving back to his former office of Yellow Sector rep, I hope to step back in to continue to keep the financial accounts updated, reconciled and reported to the Association. My qualifications include 23 years of Association membership, mostly in an officer capacity, including my current role as Bulletin (newsletter) Coordinator, and Parks Committee member. I’m also a CPA, which has its own requirements for competence and ethical standards.

The Secretary shall record minutes of the General Association Meeting and the Executive Committee meetings, as well as assist and support activities related to records and agenda keeping, membership validation, and database managing.
Candidate Needed:

Sector Representatives – must live in the sectors they represent.
The Green Sector:
N/S borders: Oltorf to Mary
E/W borders: Railroad tracks to South First
Candidate: Nick Saragossa, Incumbent
Long time Austin resident, son of career Air Force officer who transferred to Austin in 1971. Graduate of Lanier high school, then the University of Texas, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. Earned commission as US Navy officer in 1983, and designation as a Naval Aviator upon completing pilot training in 1984. After leaving active duty in 1989, Nick chose to pursue a career in the high tech industry, where he has worked with several leading companies, including IBM, Dell and Motorola. Nick has been with NXP (formerly Freescale) in Austin since 2006, and holds patents in the area of high speed communication technology
If elected, Melynda Nuss, former VP of Neighborhood Issues, will serve as back-up representative.

The Lavender Sector:
Oltorf to Johanna
South First to S. Congress
Need Candidate

The Blue Sector
Mary to Monroe
Railroad tracks to South First
Need Candidate

The Yellow Sector
Johanna to South of the School for the Deaf
South First to S. Congress
Candidate: Jeff Seiden/Jody Zemel
I have volunteered with BCNA for 5 years as Sector Rep and Treasurer. I participate on the Zoning Committee and have a particular focus on Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility, Traffic, Parking and Safety issues facing Yellow Sector
residents. As Sector rep, I will work to balance Bouldin’s historical neighborhood feel with the numerous changes to our area proposed by the CoA. I’ve been an Austin resident for over 22 years and moved to Eva Street 9 years
ago. When I am traveling, I will be assisted in the Yellow Sector rep role by Jody Zemel, a long time Bouldin resident with deep experience in both BCNA and CoA neighborhood, development and planning issues.

The Pink Sector
Monroe to Gibson between Railroad tracks to South First
Gibson to Christopher between S. 5th & South First
Candidate: Scottee Downing, Incumbent
It’s been said that the best protection for your home is to get to know your neighbors. When I moved to Austin, I was looking for community and a place to grow some roots. This past year was my first experience being involved with BCNA, and I have never felt more at home. While our neighborhood is rapidly changing, I am committed to staying educated on internal and external factors that will affect our homes and families. I have received more from my Bouldin neighbors than I could ever give back, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this role.

The Orange Sector
Gibson to Christopher between RR tracks & S. 5th
Christopher to Barton Springs Rd between RR track and Bouldin
Candidate: Sue Mercado, Incumbent
I have served as the Orange Sector representative for this past year. There has been a learning curve but I feel that this coming year if elected, I will be better equipped with a year under my belt. I would like to encourage more input from my neighbors in this zone. I feel that I offer a fresh perspective and have some new ideas that I can bring to the table. I’m born and raised in Austin, and have the history, knowledge, and love for the city and this neighborhood.

The Brown Sector
Copeland to Barton Springs Rd
S. 2nd to South First
Candidate: Stephanie Scholten, Incumbent
As representative for the past two years, I have done my best to keep Brown Sector residents informed and to encourage more diverse voices in the neighborhood association. It has been so rewarding to see many of you now regularly attending BCNA meetings and getting involved with issues that will affect your daily life (whether you’re currently aware of it or not!) I hope to see even more new faces next year so that we can all try to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and affordable community for everyone.

December Events Affecting Bouldin Creek Neighborhood
Please Note: Heavy traffic and various parking
restrictions will impact Bouldin Creek Residents
Ballet Austin Nutcracker School Shows – December
7th through December 23rd
Location: Long Center and Parking Garage
https://balletaustin.org/performances/thenutcracke

Austin Trail of Lights – Friday December 13th –
23rd , 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Location: Zilker Park, Traffic impact Zilker
Park Neighborhoods
https://austintrailoflights.org/

January / February Events
Austin Marathon – February 16th See website for road closure information
http://austintexas.gov/event/austin-marathon-1

EVENTS DOWN THE HILL
Palmer Heavy Traffic December 2019 HERE

Whether you’re interested in avoiding traffic, parking issues, or strolling to a good time, here are the websites to discover the goings-on of which to be aware:
LONG CENTER
http://thelongcenter.org/events/

PALMER AUDITORIUM
https://www.palmereventscenter.com/events/

Dog owner note: The Common Law
Dogs and nuisance issues (poop, leashes, and noise)
https://www.austinchronicle.com/columns/2019-02-08/the-common-law/

.Meeting Schedules:
BCNA Meeting Schedules:
BCNA General Association Meeting: 2ndTuesday, every other month
BCNA Steering Committee Meeting: 1st Monday, each month
BCNA Zoning Committee Meeting: 3rd Monday each month
Meetings at The High Road, 6:45pm 700 Dawson Road, Unless otherwise noted.