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In late 1983, a group of
residents from Buda and the surrounding
area began making plans for founding a
non-profit association that might
benefit the community as a whole - and
older citizens in particular. An
organizational meeting was called on
January 24, 1984, at the Buda Primary
School. There, the fledgling Onion
Creek Senior Citizens association
elected its first board of directors:
Bob Barton, Mary Giberson, Sandra
Grizzle, Ralph Lancaster, Joe McCracken,
Judy Ricketts, Gene Schwartz, Tom
Spiller and Betty Turner.
Bylaws were approved by a
vote of the membership on March 10,
1984. Onion Creek Senior Citizens,
Inc. was thereby established, with
membership open to anyone in the Buda
area. In 1985, the board chose
Sandra Grizzle as the first executive
director.
In the summer of 1986,
Bob Barton deeded a partnership interest
in some land he owned at Barton's
Crossing on FM 2770 to the Senior
Citizens, and traded adjoining land to
the county, with the requirement that it
be leased to the Senior Citizens at $100
per year for 20 years. County
officials then agreed to move a metal
building from the old San Marcos
Hospital grounds to the site in Buda.
With the help of the county and the hard
work of many members, who donated time
and fund-raising efforts, and with the
help and generosity of the community,
the site was re-worked and the building
refurbished, so that the third annual
meeting was held in the new activity
center on March 14, 1987. Today,
Hays County offices, justice of the
peace and law enforcement share the
site.
The Onion Creek Seniors'
membership roll is over 200 and with the
population boom the Buda and Hays County
area is experience our center is gaining
new members monthly. This a place
for socializing, games, quilting,
education activities and a noon meal
every Thursday that is planned, cooked
and served by volunteers. We often
have speakers and entertainment for our
seniors. Occasionally, we take day
tours and sometimes over-night chartered
bus trips. Additionally, as a
means of fund-raising, a group of active
seniors prepare and serve a monthly
luncheon for around 100 members of the
Buda Area Chamber of Commerce.
Anyone can come to the BACC
meeting.
A new community center is
planned for the senior citizens on the
property they own which is adjacent to
their current location. The new 6,
000 square foot building will provide
ample space for meetings, meals, and
other activities for the seniors, as
well as the rapidly growing community.
The proceeds form the sale of their
cookbook, Hometown Favorites, will be
applied towards the building fund.
< < < click here to purchase hometown
favorites |
