President’s Message
I hope these words find you and your family in good health. What surprising changes to life and the neighborhood have come in the few weeks since the last issue of the BWNA newsletter. It seems at times as if we are living in a science fiction movie or a disaster exercise, and I wonder when the movie will end or the instructor will cease the simulation and debrief the participants on what we’ll need to improve upon before we return to a normal work day. From school closures, working at home—if one is fortunate enough to do so—to closed or modified operations at many businesses, things are very different. Many are struggling with lost jobs, canceled life cycle events, the challenges of social distancing, and the inability to travel and visit loved ones, while some may be grieving a loss.
Despite all of this, it remains spring, a time of rebirth, and that provides a reminder that this dark season of the coronavirus will also pass with time. Let’s hope that when it does—or when we are better prepared to deal with its realities—we can emerge stronger and more appreciative of normal life, our health, our community, and our family and friends that we rely upon. To that end, please be mindful of opportunities you may have to contribute in some small way—whether through donating blood, shopping for a vulnerable neighbor, or simply expressing appreciation to our health care workers, many of whom are our neighbors, by ringing a bell or making some noise at 7:00 p.m. If you are able, please also support our local businesses that are working hard to adapt to these conditions and continue to serve the neighborhood.
For the time being, all BWNA meetings and events are canceled (including what was to be our first neighborhood cleanup), and we’ll be reassessing on an ongoing basis and adapting as is appropriate. For now, your BWNA officers and board members remain the same, despite what would have been our annual election in April, which we had to cancel last month. Please do reach out to me or any other board member if you have concerns about a neighborhood matter or need assistance in raising an issue with the city.
Stay safe.