Once again, numerous local eateries and merchants supported BWNA’s annual elections and general meeting with a fine buffet offered for those in attendance. And while the Beaumont Middle School Jazz Band, under direction of Cynthia Plank, typically use this opportunity as a tune-up for upcoming competitions, they were in championship form as far as the enthusiastic audience was concerned. The band’s commitment to excellence was clearly on display throughout the entire concert, both in overall group play and solo performances.
The culinary portion of the evening was a big hit as well: wings and ribs from Fire on the Mountain and Alameda Brewhouse, cheese and oil plate from Black Bird, breads from Grand Central Bakery, pizzas from Pizzacatto, Pizza Nostra, and Papa Murphy’s, salads and noodle dishes from NoHo’s and Thrive Sauce and Bowls, and two large boxes of Fire and Stone’s signature focaccia dish personally prepared in the Fire and Stone kitchen by chef/owner Jeff Smalley on his day off! To wash all these treats down, ice, water, and soda were donated by Everest M Market and Beaumont Market.
Additionally, Beaumont Florists again added a touch of class to the evening with gorgeous centerpieces taken home by 15 lucky attendees, with Pips, Alameda Brewhouse, Bang Bang, and Rose’s Ice Cream providing gift certificates for the lively raffle held at the conclusion of the evening. Of special note, Americana Frame donated a number of picture frames, with owner Baer Charlton, a published writer (and former co-editor of this newsletter along with wife Diane), adding breadth to the raffle with signed copies of some of his books.
The business portion of the meeting featured updates on the BWNA Board’s focus on land use issues within new Mixed Use Zoning proposals and the City’s Comprehensive Plan amendments, which affect the Beaumont Village business areas as well as neighborhood residential development. Jeff King followed with a presentation on the city tree inventory project and its benefits, asking for volunteers to assist in completing the inventory for Beaumont Wilshire. (Details are included in an article by Jeff on page 5 of this issue.)
Elections filled two of three vacant at-large Board positions, with Cliff Goldman and Carol Wire stepping up to the plate to loud applause from grateful neighbors. Thanks also went out to retiring Board members Janet Baker, Roger Price, and Margaret Davis for their years of service and dedication to the association. Treasurer Karla Lenox (who is profiled in this issue) along with board members Joel Schmitz and Dave Whitaker were re-elected to two-year terms. The position of president was in play as well, but there were no takers. Accordingly, President John Sandie agreed to continue serving on an interim basis while a leadership transition can be established.
Despite lower-than-hoped-for turnout, the event was nonetheless very enjoyable for all in attendance.