While annual BWNA elections are held every April at Taste of Beaumont, the BWNA Board is authorized in its bylaws to fill vacated positions by majority vote at any board meeting during the year. That’s how Anna Gillespie (profiled in the March/April issue) joined the board last January, and the same for Gary Hancock last March. Gary, who teaches fourth grade in the Centennial School District, has lived in the neighborhood for the last eight years with his wife Samantha and son Logan.
What’s your favorite part of living in the neighborhood?
My family and I have lived in the area since 2008. My favorite part of the neighborhood is how quiet our neighborhood is at night and that I can walk to the park, to my son’s school, and to restaurants.
What’s your favorite neighborhood store or restaurant, and why?
It’s a toss-up between Pip’s Original Doughnuts and Pizzicato. At Pizzicato, my son and I love to grab a quick slice and a salad after one of his soccer or baseball games. As for Pip’s, I go for the doughnuts! I believe they are the best in Portland.
What are you excited about as far as participating on the board?
I am excited to learn more about the issues facing our neighborhood and coming up solutions to some of our problems.
What are the issues you’re looking to help address as a member?
The issues that I am concerned with are neighborhood crime, cars speeding through our residential streets, graffiti, and Wilshire Park improvements. I am looking forward to working with the board and the neighborhood to help solve these issues.
Thank you for your service, Gary!