“Hope springs eternal.”
So goes the positive-thinking adage that seems especially appropriate for a season of renewal—think blossoms, Passover, Easter, Earth Day, which is even more hopeful this year with the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and new political leadership at the top. But as legendary baseball quipster Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over till it’s over!”—underscoring that the race to defeat the pandemic is more a marathon than a sprint, with pacing and discipline key to achieving a win. Staying with the metaphor, while each inoculation gets us closer to the finish line, it’s “herd immunity” that provides that final-stretch kick to victory. So don’t toss those masks just yet and continue waiting for hugs, but in the interim, do what you can to stay civically engaged. I suggest employing BWNA as a conduit.
On the topic of community service, some of us are old enough to remember being personally inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s inspirational inaugural address challenge, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” The past few months have dramatically demonstrated Kennedy’s foresight with respect to the importance of civic engagement (done civilly!) and to the health of a democracy, something neighborhood associations are organized to facilitate on the most local of levels—block to block, neighbor to neighbor. Keep that in mind as you read through this spring issue of the newsletter and note the wide range of opportunities available to you via BWNA to contribute to the betterment of the community and cohesion of our neighborhood. For starters, check out the following items listed under “Our Organization” (page 2) and consider getting involved with:
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BWNA Board: Board members are the vanguard of the association, responsible for interacting with the B-W community on matters of local concern, implementing action plans to enhance livability, and organizing all-neighborhood events. There’s room for 14 on the board—four officers and 10 “at-large” members (six of which are currently open for filling). Both B-W residents and business owners are eligible.
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Related Organizations: BWNA has a symbiotic relationship with the Beaumont Business Association (BBA), which has blossomed under BBA President Andy Frazier, longtime Beaumont-Wilshire resident and neighborhood activist. Likewise, Central Northeast Neighbors (CNN), BWNA’s coalition umbrella organization, has provided exemplary support under the leadership of CNN Director Alison Stoll, a former BWNA president. Volunteer possibilities include liaison to these two organizations.
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Areas of Interest: Options run the gamut—be they in the area of traffic calming, park enhancement, Beaumont Middle School support, crime prevention, community outreach (i.e., via newsletter and website), and many others, with subcommittees created as needed. (Note: One work in progress, and therefore not yet on the list, is the “Equity and Inclusion Committee” spearheaded by Tim Gillespie and John Sandie to promote diversity.)
Are you ready to spring forward to serve? Contact President Gillespie or a committee chair.
Finally, welcome aboard to two new advertisers, Ann Rad of Pride + Joy Landscapes and David Friedman of Portland Art Gallery. Check out their ads on page 8.