President’s Message
Like people, organizations need periodic boosts in body and spirit. It may be as naturally predictable as the advent of spring, with its kaleidoscope of colors, soothing temperatures, and symbolism of hope as reflected in Easter and Passover rites. On the other hand, it could be a chance occurrence (what some might call “fate”), such as that one beautiful day of weather that just happens to correspond with an outdoor event that has been planned for months. More often than not, rejuvenation begins with personal initiative, be it of our own making or someone else’s. We draw inspiration from self-initiated achievement, especially when the accomplishment not only benefits the achiever, but contributes to the community as well——a value at the heart of BWNA.
There’s a Yiddish-derived word for the kind of person who does good for others and is universally admired for it——a “mensch” (plural = “mensches”). Yiddish is a vernacular language invented centuries ago by oppressed Jews living in the imposed ghettos of Central and Eastern Europe, and later Russia, and is replete with examples of sardonic humor; but “mensch” stands out as a paradigm of the positive, evolving in English to refer to any person, male or female, exemplifying the best that humanity has to offer. Suffice it to say, society can never have too many of them.
Take the mensches responsible for bringing the “Welcome to Beaumont-Wilshire” sign atop the Beaumont Plaza Pizzicato. It started with Pizzicato owner Tracy Frankel’s generosity and community awareness in donating the eye-catching sign in the heart of the B-W neighborhood, then sponsoring a neighborhood sign-design contest, and capping it off with covering all costs. The project motivated 15 caring residents to submit entries, running the gamut from a professional graphic artist to a 9-year-old student, each of whom received a thank-you gift card courtesy of Pizzicato.
Another example of a mensch-driven BWNA project is the Gwen MacPherson Memorial. A mensch in her own right, Gwen was always there to extend a helping hand to others, be they family, neighbors, or BWNA colleagues (in her role as Board member and Treasurer). Upon her sudden passing from cancer last August, BWNA teamed up with Gwen’s family and friends to raise funds for a lasting community memorial in her memory. Donations came in from a variety of sources——neighbors, businesses, and even from a mensch who wishes to remain anonymous. Knowing how much Gwen loved spending time with her grandchildren in Wilshire Park and actively participating in BWNA’s annual National Night Out Picnic (the last event she attended prior to her death), the family suggested a tree planting in Wilshire Park. Unfortunately that was not to be, because Wilshire Park is not scheduled for plantings by Parks & Recreation any time soon. But to the rescue came the mensches from Parks & Recreation’s City Urban Forestry staff who found a way around the red tape to facilitate an April tree planting memorial ceremony at nearby Wellington Park (adjacent to Harvey Scott School). They even provided Gwen’s family with a list of tree species and locations within the park to choose from. (Result: a Mountain Silverbell to be planted near the children’s play area.)
At the core of any neighborhood association is a cadre of dedicated Board members who respond to neighbors’ requests and concerns, organize and implement activities, and generate new ideas for enhancing neighborhood livability. That said, member attrition continues to be a problem at BWNA due to health problems, moves, and schedule conflicts. But you can do something about it. Volunteer to fill a Board position at Taste of Beaumont and help turn this spring into BWNA’s season of the mensch!