President’s Message
Four years ago, I raised my hand to volunteer with BWNA, thinking it would be a worthwhile way to spend a few occasional hours beyond my other commitments. I happily found myself among a small group of thoughtful, caring neighbors working hard to boost Beaumont-Wilshire in countless ways.
A retired public school teacher, my only vague goal was perhaps to forge more links with Beaumont Middle School. (On that front, I’m happy to report that with the partnership of the terrific folks at Beaumont PTA and Dr. Harriette Vimegnon, we’ve put on a joint Red Cross blood drive at the school, raised funds for the Family Resiliency Fund, and helped support the Sparrow Project, which encourages student volunteerism that serves children with disabilities.)
Two years after I joined BWNA, unforeseeable circumstances led to me being catapulted in short order from at-large board member to Vice President to President—and what a ride it has been! COVID-19 hit and BWNA had to pivot to online meetings and cancel our annual summertime National Night Out picnic. Other challenges confronted us—racism and political divisiveness, traffic and safety concerns, crime, homelessness and income inequality, climate change, heatwaves, and wildfire smoke.
As we worked through all this, my steadfast colleagues offered advice, support, and innumerable hours of service. I am grateful beyond expressing to long-time BWNA vets Karla Lenox, Barb Strunk, Al Ellis, John Sandie, Gary Hancock, and Tim Hemstreet. Andrew Rinke signed up to be VP, and he’s been an invaluable partner. Newer members Sam Balto, Patty Nelson, and Derek Humbard brought fresh perspectives to our work. We are lucky to have these remarkable people volunteering their time and talents for our neighborhood.
As the Portland street named for Cesar Chavez ties together our neighborhood, may that civil rights activist’s words do so, too: “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others.”
Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others.
— Cesar Chavez
Though we have plenty of unfinished business, I leave the BWNA presidency confident that with the volunteers on hand—and you, I hope—we can roll up our sleeves together to make this a neighborly community for all.