President’s Message
At our February general membership meeting, we heard from Edy Martinez, district manager of Our 42nd Avenue (www.42ave.org). Edy came to talk to us about Our 42nd Avenue, a nonprofit that seeks to develop business and employment opportunities on NE 42nd Avenue, and, in doing so, benefit local residents in an inclusive way. Our 42nd Avenue helps support local entrepreneurs by providing business incubation space, building relationships that can enhance the commercial district, and supporting local hiring and the use of local services by businesses and residents. Edy is new in his role and is focused on building relationships in the neighborhood and advancing the mission of the organization.
We also heard updates on upcoming BWNA projects, including a spring Neighborhood Cleanup event to be held in partnership with the Grant Park Neighborhood Association and the Beaumont Middle School Parent Teacher Association, which will help us all accomplish our spring cleaning goals while benefiting these organizations.
As noted in the article on page 1 of the newsletter, BWNA has re-vamped its website to better connect with neighbors about the activities and projects that BWNA is involved with and planning to undertake. Please check out our new website at www.bwnapdx.org and sign up to be on BWNA’s e-mail distribution list. You can always find this newsletter there as well. Many thanks to board member Rich Woyma for spearheading the effort to refresh BWNA’s web presence with a more engaging and modern feel.
Elections! BWNA is a volunteer-led organization with four officers and ten at-large board members. Elections for board positions are held at our April general membership meeting, and it is important that we fill open positions. If you have an interest in serving on the board, please contact me or any other board member. While elections are held in April, anyone can join the board at any time.
My term as BWNA president concludes in April, and I look forward to remaining on the board as immediate past president. It’s been a rewarding experience serving as president of BWNA, and I hope you will consider serving the neighborhood through participation in BWNA as well. By joining the board, you can help keep this neighborhood a place we all are happy to call home.