President’s Message
With winter approaching we’ll spend more time indoors, gathering with friends and family. I love this time of year, when we give thanks for all we have. I am most grateful for the “Gift of Presence” provided by my friends and family. Their presence gives me joy, growth from enriching conversations, and companionship with which to experience life’s adventures. A hug, kind word, or gesture from them can ease the pain of hardship when life’s journey takes a difficult turn.
I was recently reminded that not everyone readily enjoys this support so must seek it within their community. While on a community watershed rafting trip, I was reminded of the Gift of Presence by the words of two elderly residents. One told me how lonely it can be with family living far away. Another mentioned that COVID eliminated many avenues of community connection.
We can give the Gift of Presence within our own B-W neighborhood community and make our neighborhood safer, cleaner, and stronger by supporting each other.
We can give the Gift of Presence within our own B-W neighborhood community and make our neighborhood safer, cleaner, and stronger by supporting each other. It does not require money, only time and attention.
People in our neighborhood give their time to be present for others and to provide a support system when a neighbor needs it. Some people do this by serving on the BWNA board or its committees to help make B-W a better place to live. In B-W there are folks who’ve “adopted a block” to pick up trash on daily walks; there’s a volunteer group that helps with yardwork and minor home repairs for seniors and others in need. A B-W resident initiated native plantings and annual maintenance in public stairways on the Alameda Ridge.
At a vigil on Wednesday, Dec. 21, you’ll have the opportunity to use your Gift of Presence to both remember accident victim and neighbor Gayle Phillips and bring attention to pedestrian safety along Fremont. See related articles on pages 1 and 5.
It does take a village: your presence truly can make a difference in your neighborhood and in your neighbor’s lives.
May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.