RWC meeting at Kate Fords House- 10/24/17
Meeting called to order at 7:22pm by Kelly Dixon. Kelly thanked Kate Ford for hosting tonight. Thirty-five people were present. Kelly reminded everyone to please say their names when talking so the Secretary, Tami Esson could get to know everyone better for note taking.
Kelly introduced Jaime Medina, president of the Rollingwood Neighborhood Association (RNA). Jaime said that that RNA is in the process of closing itself down and letting RWC absorb it since they were a smaller neighborhood organization and RWC overlapped with certain events in the past. If everyone is ok with it then we will make a final ok next month. RNA would write a check and donate remaining funds to the RWC. RNA runs the EGGstravaganza, which is a big spring event, therefore, RWC would need to find people to run this event in the upcoming years. RNA will present the vote at the November meeting. Jaime said that RNA would donate the remaining $3500 to RWC which would get RWC through the costs of the first 3 years of the EGGstravaganza event and then we would need to raise money for it after that. Kelly asked members to form a committee to explore the best way to absorb the RNA and Catherine Scott volunteered.
Next Kelly introduced our guest speaker Sarah Gilster, who works with Rollingwood resident, Elaina Dodd, at Beauty-Counter. Then Heidi Marquez briefly jumped in to add a few more details about the guest speaker. She introduced the ladies and said that as big supporters of philanthropic organizations, tonight all proceeds would go to Pop-Up Birthday. Heidi said Sarah is highly motivated, been in Austin for 17 years, and is grateful to have her come speak tonight. She is a supporter of this company because it’s a healthy alternative to most cosmetic products on the market. She discussed the toxicity in most cosmetics used on both men and women, from shampoo, to body lotion, to lipsticks. She recommended members look up the Environmental Working Group (EWG) page and check the safety of cosmetics and personal products for use. Exercise caution around the word “fragrance” because companies can sneak lots of chemicals into this category and it is not regulated nearly as it should be. Sarah said if you have plastics in your kitchen get rid of them- leaches estrogen and most importantly do not heat any food in them. She recommended getting rid of plastic shower curtains because your pores are open and in the steam chemicals leach into your body. She ended with members can do holiday shopping and purchase cosmetics from her afterward and reminded members that all profits from today go to Pop Up Birthday.
Kelly introduced Debbie Dillon to give the treasury report. Debbie said we have over 31K in RWC account. She asked everyone to please bring project ideas to her so that RWC can potentially allocate money to them. Kelly reminded those interested to do a workable proposal and that any approved project must be completed by June or the allotted money will go back into the RWC account.
Kelly then made a few more announcements about two new board positions that we will be voting on next month: Special Events Coordinator -which oversees large events like 5k, possibly the EGGstravaganza, and 4th of July. She also described the new position called Financial Development Chair, who would be in charge of managing donations, spreadsheets, thank you notes, and distribution of tax forms. She said both positions would be appointed for the first year and second year will be part of the board. Kelly then thanked Mary Garwood, who graciously donated her house for RWC holiday party on Friday, Dec 3.
Kelly said she needs someone to head up the city employees gift basket project. $500 is allotted for eighteen city employees. Diane Dillard volunteered to do this. Kelly is looking for volunteers to ride around and judge neighborhood holiday lights. Heidi Marquez and Debbie Dillon volunteered to judge this year. Lastly, Kelly told members that the City-sponsored Bike Clinic will be rescheduled for the upcoming year. She also asked people to please consider volunteering to help chair the 4th of July, 5K and Eggstravaganza events.
Kelly asked Membership Chair, Lawton Cummings to speak about the directory. Lawton discussed the workings of the Directory and reminded members to go to Survey Monkey to fill it out if they would like their contact info listed in the directory. Kelly reminded the group that this hasn’t been done in 4 years so it is great that Lawton is doing this!
Kelly thanked Marnie Fitzgerald, who offered to put together a new website for RWC, where people can go to one website and see the minutes, dues, photos etc for RWC.
Kelly introduced Toni Hudson, from the Parks Commission. Toni announced that “Its My Park Day” is coming up, 4th of November rain or shine 11-3pm and invited families to come and help out with things like putting mulch around trees. Lea Grisimer said she went last time as a new member of the community and her daughter and she had so much fun! Toni said there are lots of things they want to add to the park. They are welcome to suggestions to things that can be added or changed from the park as well. Toni also said there will be a workshop where they discuss the Master Plan for the Parks with the residents. Examples of topics are that they are looking to find ways to make the park more usable and safer to gain access to. Another big issue is preventing erosion and runoff that happens in the neighborhood. Park Commission meets the 1st Tuesday of the month in case anyone wants to come and get involved.
Next, Kelly introduced Julia Webber to speak to the community. She was representing Eanes ISD as a Trustee and wanted to talk to people about the upcoming TRE vote. She explained the importance of this vote to members and encouraged all to vote.
Kelly continued on that the next meeting is the disbursement of funds and charity giving. This year RWC will support Pop-Up Birthday. Marissa Mireur, who is on the board, was introduced and updated members on Pop-Up’s founding and mission, which supplies everything one could need for throwing a birthday party for foster kids- i.e. plates, napkins, banners, etc. Additionally, a gift to read, a gift to wear, and a gift of whatever the birthday child asks for, is provided in the box. Every Wednesday they welcome people to come wrap gifts from 10-2pm at their offices at Shepard of the Hills Church. She encouraged members to bring $25 gift cards to Target, HEB, or Randalls, plain wrapping paper and 58-quart clear storage bins. Marissa also said that the charity will take all your Halloween candy or leftover party decorations so please send it to them if applicable. Marissa said the charity is now looking for parties for older kids now- so if anyone has contacts or ideas of where they can go for to host parties for older kids, please let them know. Lastly, Marissa reviewed their Mission Statement: To celebrate children in foster care, one box at a time.
To finish off, Becky Combs announced that on Nov 2nd Rollingwood Police Chief Dwayne Pryor retiring. Max Westbrook will be interim chief. Sara Hutson said there may be a party but it’s not yet announced.
Kelly ended the meeting at 8:27pm- and thanked Kate Ford again for hosting and suggested members go buy some products to support Pop Up Birthday!
Submitted by: Tami Esson
Approved by: Kelly Dixon
