President’s Message
“There’s no place like home for the holidays,” the song goes. And while that hopefully holds true for most of us living in Beaumont-Wilshire, the fact is that the November-December holidays pose a paradox—the happiest of times for some, the saddest for others. Reasons run the gamut: Winter climate and shortened days affect people in different ways; big meals and abundant drink do, too; and the logistical feasibility of family and friends being able to gather together varies as well. But the most salient factors involve personal relationships and finances. The pressure is on to throw parties and buy gifts, resulting in an uneasy juxtaposition: the tradition of giving and hosting vs. the worry of coming up short—in effect, holiday cheer vs. holiday blues.
Which brings me to another song—this time a ballad from Bob Dylan in his prime (and sung so beautifully by Joan Baez). “There But For Fortune” has always had a way of putting life’s ups and downs in perspective for me. The lyrics focus on the less fortunate among us— the poor, the despondent. Not unlike those down-on-their-luck souls holding cardboard signs on virtually every busy street corner and freeway entrance. Dylan empathizes and points the mirror back at us: ”… and I’ll show you a man with so many reasons why, there but for fortune go you and I…”
As we approach Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, Dylan’s message seems especially appropriate for our neighborhood association, whose primary function after all, is community service. BWNA’s mission is to help neighbors in need, which is accomplished by providing opportunities for residents to give of themselves for the betterment of the neighborhood. Think of it as “the joy of giving” on a community scale. We’ve advocated for residents on any number of neighborhood livability issues including traffic calming, public transport, cell tower and apartment building placements, noise problems and vandalism. At the same time BWNA initiates and implements neighborhood enhancement events like graffiti cleanups, Wilshire Park mural restoration, Taste of Beaumont, Movie in the Park and the National Night Out Picnic. All of this has been accomplished on a shoestring budget through the diligent work of dedicated volunteers.
But while the quality of volunteers from the neighborhood remains outstanding, the quantity is consistently unpredictable. Work schedules change, family responsibilities increase, health issues arise, moves to other neighborhoods take place—and our volunteer cadre dwindles. Case in point: There are currently three open Board positions down from four thanks to Aaron Good who was elected to the Board in September. Suffice it to say the welcome mat is out, and I encourage you to consider serving not only because of the benefit it brings to the neighborhood but for your own personal gratification as well.
Speaking of which: I recently read an article about a drug addict in Portland who was trying to kick a cocaine habit. He had participated in a number of therapies and self-help groups, but without much success. Then a social worker suggested community service as a way to help turn things around, persuading the addict to immerse himself in a community organizing program designed to help low-income residents with home repairs. Long story short, the resultant boost in self-worth motivated him to get clean. He later reflected: “I’m now convinced that a belief in civic engagement promotes better health… I’m in recovery now, and this is part of my recovery—being part of society.”
Moral: If addicts and aristocrats can reap the rewards of contributing positively to the community, so can you. Look to BWNA as a way to start giving for the winter holidays!