An agony/ecstacy scenario confronted BWNA last April as the organization limped into its Taste of Beaumont gala—still without a president since John Sandie’s resignation last January and with at-large board positions to fill. But there was cause for optimism from the get-go, with the turnout robust, musical entertainment from the Beaumont Middle School Jazz Ambassadors first-rate, and donated cuisine samples, refreshments, and raffle prizes from local merchants in generous supply. The crowning touch (pun intended) came later in the evening during annual elections when, to everyone’s relief, board member Tim Hemstreet stepped up to assume the presidency, followed by Kathy Campbell elected as the new vice president and Barb Strunk as the new secretary, replacing longtime incumbents Bill Markwart and Jim Karlock, respectively. The three new officers join forces with incumbent Treasurer Karla Lenox to form BWNA’s reconstituted Executive Board team. As for at-large positions, incumbents Katy Fackler and Jack Bookwalter were reelected, and former board members Roger Price, Deb Harris, and Al Ellis returned to the fold, filling three of the four vacated positions. BWNA breathed a sign of relief.
But however vital these elections were for the well-being of our neighborhood association, they were far from the main attraction at Taste of Beaumont. Kicking off the evening was a greeting from Beaumont Middle School Principal Harriette Vimegnon (interviewed in this issue), followed by the talented-beyond-their-years young musicians comprising the Jazz Ambassadors, directed by the charming and charismatic Cynthia Plank. Adding a touch of class to the event, which was held in the Beaumont Middle School cafeteria, were gorgeous floral table arrangements set on white tablecloths—the floral arrangements doubling as raffle prizes to lucky winners at the end of the evening. Additionally, beautifully crafted frames were set on each table for use as prizes. MC for the night was none other than BWNA Past President John Sandie, entertaining in his inimitable folksy style and always willing to lend a hand when the need arises.
Special recognition was paid to Bill Markwart and Jim Karlock, the two BWNA veterans who departed the board after many years of dedicated service as officers. And of course, big thanks go out to all the people and organizations who contributed to the success of this event, starting with attending B-W residents, BWNA board members, the Beaumont Middle School PTA, and Cynthia Plank and her Jazz Ambassadors, along with the following “good neighbor” merchants, without whom there would have been no food, refreshments, or door prizes: Alameda Brewhouse, Americana Frame, Bagel Land, Beaumont Florists, Beaumont Market, Everest M Market, Fire and Stone, Fire on the Mountain, Grand Central Market, Green Dog Pet Supply, NoHo’s, Papa Murphy’s, Pips, Pizzacato, Stanich’s, and Yo Choice.