This month we are profiling BWNA’s newest board member Patty Nelson.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood, and what’s your favorite part of living in the community?
While I have lived in the neighborhood for 30 years, I was a frequent visitor throughout my life. My first job was at Pagoda Chinese Restaurant (now a bank). I remember then saying how I would love to live in this lovely neighborhood. My piano teacher of 10 years also lived in the neighborhood. I guess I was meant to live here. My then-fiancé and I purchased our home, married, and raised our two daughters here. We have seen a lot of change over the years. Rose’s Ice Cream was down the street on Fremont, and Pizzicato was a dry cleaner when we moved in. My favorite part of living in the neighborhood is the variety of historic architecture, walkability, the convenience of the wonderful businesses on Fremont, but most of all my neighbors. We are a tight group—looking out for one another and gathering and having fun as much as we can. Between the neighbors and having Beaumont Market one block away, I can’t imagine being in a better place.
What are your favorite neighborhood businesses, and why?
Bagel Land has been a favorite for my daughters, with memories of stopping to get a morning bagel on our way to work and daycare via hopping on the Fremont bus. Beaumont Market is our most frequently visited business, providing much-needed ingredients for our meals and late-night treats. Pizzicato, Starbucks, Foot Traffic are also go-to places. We missed visiting Amalfi’s and Wonderly this past year due to COVID. We are thrilled to see Roloff Construction (whose owners live in the area) in our neighborhood, providing design/build remodeling to our beautiful historic homes. Dr. Johnson at Fremont Vet has cared for our two schnauzers over the years, and we love the entire staff.
What does being a board member mean to you?
Being a board member is an opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to my family and me. I am hopeful that my background as an engineer will help with some of the technical issues, but more importantly, I am excited to meet more of my neighbors and help keep our community safe and thriving.
What are the issues you want to help address as a board member?
The issues I want to help with include transportation and land-use/development challenges. I am passionate about maintaining our neighborhood character. Hopefully my background will help us understand some of the issues and help us navigate between what is planned and what the neighborhood wants to see—ideally a win-win solution. I also want to support our community-building activities, like Fremont Fest.
Thank you for your board service, Patty!