President’s Message
Fresh school year, fresh football season, fresh air, fresh colors— fresh aspirations.
My “aspirational” association with the coming of autumn is closely tied to my career as a teacher, when the return to the classroom each September had that “fresh start” feeling — perky students, pepped-up teachers, upbeat expectations. And now in retirement, fall aspirations echo as BWNA gears up for service to the neighborhood.
Not to say that this spring and summer were lacking in action by BWNA — anything but. The board:
- provided input on the NE 33rd to 42nd Avenue phase of PBOT’s Mason/Skidmore Greenway project.
- organized a neighborhood cleanup event.
- co-sponsored (funded) Movie in the Park.
- funded and organized our second street art project on Fremont.
- funded and organized our second Art & Garden Tour.
- organized and sponsored a bike rally.
- codified board policies; now posted at BWNApdx.org/bylaws.
- developed and adopted our fiscal year budget.
And the list goes on!
Now autumn affords us a chance to pause, take a collective breath, and assess where we’ve been, where we want to go, and how to get there — the key being input and participation by neighbors like you. Consider the following opportunities:
Committees: What’s your interest in the neighborhood? Likely we’ve got it covered by a committee: event planning, website and social media outreach, transportation and land use issues, Wilshire Park enhancement, crime and safety concerns, welcoming new neighbors, and coalition networking. See Our Organization column on page 2 for contact info.
A note of tribute here to Jim Howell, who passed away at the end of May at age 90. Though not a board member, Jim served for several years as our Transportation Committee chair, ever vigilant and professional in his advocacy for public transport.
Newsletter: By far BWNA’s largest committee is the newsletter team. Upwards of 80 strong (including our veritable army of door-to-door volunteer distributors), the newsletter is at the heart of BWNA, both as its primary communication conduit and revenue generator. Got an interest in writing or walking a route? Contact the editor at Editor@BWNApdx.org.
Monthly Meetings: Held at Sylvan Learning (4300 NE Fremont St., #150), 7:00 p.m. start, alternating “general” and “board” meetings on the second Monday of the month are open to the public for airing concerns, making recommendations, and socializing.
So how about it? Embrace the autumn spirit and participate. BWNA wants you!