How is a neighborhood association relevant to the community? What is its mission? Where’s the benefit? If this rings of cross-examination, it’s because, in a real sense, the city’s entire neighborhood association system has been on trial for some months now, challenged to the core by Portland’s nascent Office of Community & Civic Life (formerly Office of Neighborhood Involvement), under the direction of Commissioner Chloe Eudaly. That said, a probing inquiry calls for a substantive response, which came at BWNA’s Taste of Beaumont on April 2.
Inspired by a Taste of Beaumont attendee’s suggestion that a statement of purpose be added to a BWNA resolution to retain Portland’s neighborhood association system, the following message was unanimously approved during the general meeting.
Message to the Office of Community & Civic Life: The mission of BWNA is to enhance civic life and community engagement by serving as a forum for discussion of livability issues, a conduit for individual and group initiatives, and a facilitator of neighborhood improvement projects.
You can read the entire text of the resolution in this issues Editor’s Notes on page 3 and read more about the annual Taste of Beaumont event on page 5.
Taste of Beaumont (continued)
Beaumont Middle School—the educational hub of Beaumont Village and about as central to the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood as a location can be—was the venue for Taste of Beaumont. The program included musical entertainment, dining, and raffle prizes—all free of charge—and an opportunity to weigh in on neighborhood concerns at a BWNA general meeting. The event was well attended by neighbors, Beaumont MS students, and parents.
The delightful evening was kicked off by a sparkling performance by the exceptionally gifted ensemble of student musicians that comprise the Beaumont Middle School Jazz Ambassadors under the direction of equally gifted and dynamic Cynthia Plank. The Ambassadors were enthusiastically received by an appreciative audience, who sat at cafeteria tables covered by white tablecloths (courtesy of the Beaumont Middle School PTA) and lovely floral arrangements (courtesy of Beaumont Florists). Food, refreshments, and raffle prizes were in plentiful supply thanks to the BWNA board and generous donations from participating merchants:
| Amalfi’s | Grand Central Bakery |
| Americana Frame | Green Dog Pet Supply |
| Anchor End | Lucca |
| Bagel Land | NoHo’s Hawaiian Cafe |
| Basics Market | Papa Murphy’s |
| Beaumont Florists | Pizza Nostra |
| Beaumont Market | Pizzicato |
| Dee’s Golden Door | Tacovore |
| Everest M Market | Wild Hearts Wellness |
| Fire on the Mountain | Yo Choice |
VP Kathy Campbell and Secretary Barbara Strunk (top photo, right) were approved for another 2-year term, continuing to serve with fellow incumbents President Tim Hemstreet and Treasurer Karla Lenox. However, five of 10 at-large board positions remained open by the end of the evening, and BWNA will continue the search.