Mother Nature and the song “Tuesday Afternoon” are indelibly linked in this child-of-the-60s mind of mine, as I harken back to Moody Blues’ contemplative lyrics: “The trees are drawing me near, I’ve got to find out why; I’m just beginning to see…” And in concert with the song’s theme, spring’s floral renewal encourages both reflection and wonder.
But how does this connect to BWNA and this newsletter? Let me suggest an analogy: just as spring ushers in flora’s annual regeneration, it also provides the backdrop for BWNA’s annual opportunity for rejuvenation, aka Taste of Beaumont (TOB for short.) See the Calendar of Events for the date and time.
As for a newsletter tie-in, our team is charged with the responsibility of getting the word out about TOB to the over 2,500 residences and businesses in the neighborhood, and to do so in memorable fashion. Why memorable? Because the online color version of the March-April newsletter is posted on BWNA’s website (www.bwna.us) as early as late February, with hard copies delivered to the door as early as the first week of March, with TOB still weeks away, providing ample time to forget. Couple that with the change from the second Monday to the first Tuesday, a retention-boosting strategy is in order (hence my Moody Blues ploy).
My characterization of the essence of TOB as BWNA’s annual opportunity for rejuvenation is not hyperbole. As we enhance relations with local businesses, strengthen ties with Beaumont Middle School, and most significantly for the viability of BWNA, motivate volunteers to serve the neighborhood through filling four at-large board positions this year at TOB elections, participate on committees, and assist with the newsletter. Regarding the latter, since expanding from 12 to 16 pages in the last issue, we now have need of an additional writer-reporter to provide expanded coverage. So if you enjoy writing and like the idea of connecting with the community through investigative reporting of local stories, contact me for details (editor@bwna.us).
Switching to my BWNA board hat, and in the spirit of TOB, I tip the hat in tribute to my colleagues—five fellow at-large members, four officers, and our immediate past president. Having served on BWNA boards for a good number of years, including a couple terms as president, I can say without hesitation that this current cadre is up there with the best—not an egotist at the table, not a one pushing personal agendas at the expense of the rest, collegiality and civility the norm, and the neighborhood at heart. Add exceptionally competent officers, and this is a board worth serving on.
I encourage you to jot down a reminder on your calendar right now to attend TOB on April 2 at Beaumont Middle School cafeteria, 6:30 p.m. start, for the opportunity to “take a free ride” (Moody Blues, “Ride My Seesaw”), courtesy of BWNA and friends.
And finally, please welcome our new advertisers Beaumont Preschool (see page 4) and Wild Hearts Wellness (see page 11). Also, TriMet would like to inform B-W neighbors that beginning March 3, 2019, Line 24 will be extended across the Fremont Bridge through northwest Portland to West Burnside Street (see page 16).