Other than our annual National Night Out Picnic in August, BWNA’s annual “Taste of Beaumont” in April is typically our largest gathering of neighbors. It’s an opportunity for many of our local restaurants and other culinary businesses to showcase some of their wares for the neighborhood residents. As we did last year, we will be using the Beaumont Middle School cafeteria as the venue for this special occasion. We will again enjoy the talents of Cynthia Plank and her BMS band as they provide musical entertainment to add to the festivities. This is an opportunity to reconnect with old neighbors or to extend a warm welcome to Beaumont Wilshire newcomers.
The “Taste” also provides a backdrop for annual elections of BWNA officers and Board members. Anyone living within the boundaries of the Beaumont Wilshire neighborhood, as recognized by Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI), is eligible to vote on BWNA motions and proposals and to seek election to BWNA positions. Every year, half of the at-large Board positions and a couple of the officer positions come up for re-election as well as any “open” positions that need to be filled. Although there are currently no definitively open positions, any interested party is free to challenge an incumbent for a seat on the Board.
Even if you are not sure about committing to a Board position, get involved. BWNA can always use more volunteers to lighten the load and support more research on issues germane to our neighborhood.