Our annual BWNA August picnic enjoyed a larger turnout than had been experienced the last few years, even requiring us to run out for a few extra hot dogs to make sure everyone had enough to eat—and that was a good thing! While the food line stretched out for a 10-15 minute wait at times, musical entertainment from the talented Scott White made the time pass quickly. Requests for some 60s music from those of us who grew up with vinyl were deftly fielded by Scott, along with some original songs.
The pleasantly cool, sometimes windy evening caused a few sweaters and jackets to be donned, but also made things a bit more comfortable for the dedicated grill crew. It sure didn’t detract from the water balloon fun near end of evening, where “kids” big and tall all got into the act. Treasure bowls of prizes allowed all the “wee” game participants to walk away winners.
Of course, neighborhood safety is always the main theme of the evening, and visits by two police units (including a K-9 team), along with fire truck and crew (including the Fire Chief Mike Myers), offered neighbors the opportunity to personally thank them for their service in keeping Beaumont-Wilshire such a secure and safe place to live and raise a family. The Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) Crime Prevention group supplied a variety of information pamphlets along with “Portland” wristbands to help build community, which is essential to any neighborhood’s fight against crime. The picnic also afforded a first look at the “Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood” patch that BWNA will be selling as a fundraising activity at meetings and future events.
The importance of continued generous support from local businesses for this key neighborhood association event cannot be overstated—from ice and beverages donated by Beaumont Market and Everest M Market and delectable dessert cake provided by Whole Foods of Hollywood to the many gift certificates given in support of our picnic raffle. Wholehearted thanks go out to these generous contributors: Foot Traffic, Green Dog Pet Supply, Yo Choice, Alameda Brewhouse, The Arrangement, Beaumont Florist, Batter, Fire on the Mountain, Pips, Blackbird Wine Shop, and Fire & Stone. Last, but certainly not least, BWNA hats off to the dutiful group of young men and adult leaders of local Boy Scout Troop 107 for again volunteering to schlep chairs and tables to Wilshire Park from nearby Wilshire United Methodist Native American Fellowship. Participation by the scout troop and the church are integral to the success of this event.
At the end of the evening, once the trash was bagged, picnic areas picked up and returned to original condition, leftovers donated, grill and park keys returned, and unused materials placed back in BWNA inventory, the dedicated BWNA Board member crew could breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy a sense of satisfaction for another successful picnic. Don’t miss next year’s—always on the first Tuesday of August.