Neighborhood group goes high-tech

LIMA — Neighborhood associations pride themselves on involving people block by block.

The Boulevard Neighborhood Association is still doing that, but adding blog by blog too.

The group, at the initiative of member Eric Gullufsen, started a blog and is reaching new neighbors, often younger and busier than some traditional members.

Gullufsen’s wife is the association secretary, and he does a lot of blogging and blog reading, so the blog, at limablvd.blogspot.com, seemed like the perfect outlet.

“We have a lot of younger families moving into the neighborhood,” Gullufsen said. “They’re tech-savvy and more comfortable using new ways of communicating. My wife and I are in our early 30s. We know we’re busy and it’s a good way to stay in touch.”

Association President Bob Friedman doesn’t count himself among the blog users, but likes that it’s there.

“Our regular newsletter goes to 270 homes and we let people know it’s there,” Friedman said. “I think in time a lot of people will catch up. The technology is here to stay.”

Gullufsen has written the blog about five months now. He’s able to upload the newsletter and meeting minutes as well as notices about special events and posts about things of interest to the community. Users can also sign up to follow the blog through Twitter.

County Auditor Rhonda Eddy presented at a recent meeting about the county’s property revaluation. Gullufsen was able to post Eddy’s slide presentation.

“You know, at the meeting, there were 11 people,” Gullufsen said. “We’re able to keep this as reference and provide it to a wider audience.”