BWNA values its many neighborhood volunteers, from board members to committee members to those who can help only occasionally. In this edition, we’d like to introduce you to BWNA Board President Al Ellis.
Tell me about your role with BWNA and how you got started.
I’ve been a BWNA board member since 2007 and I’m currently serving as president of the neighborhood association — for a second time. I got started with BWNA almost 20 years ago when one night, out of curiosity, I walked across the street from my home to the basement of Bethany Lutheran Church, where BWNA was holding its annual meeting to fill board positions. My intention had been simply to observe and learn, but when the president asked if anyone was interested in filling vacant at-large board positions and the response was total silence, I thought to myself, what the heck, I’m recently retired, have time to spare, and like the idea of contributing to my neighborhood — so up went my hand — despite the fact that I knew next to nothing about neighborhood associations, let alone BWNA.
By the next spring our BWNA president had moved out of the neighborhood, meetings were being chaired by a reluctant vice president, and the president’s position remained unfilled. Despite only having one year of board experience under my belt and still feeling shaky about how things worked, I threw my hat into the ring and got elected. After two terms as president, I served as the BWNA newsletter editor for 12 years and then in 2024 was elected president again.
What is your favorite part about living in our neighborhood?
My wife and I have lived in Beaumont-Wilshire since 1990. I find it an eclectic inner-city neighborhood with a suburban ambience about it. I love the village feel of our business districts (Beaumont Village on Fremont as well as NE 42nd), the vitality of having a middle school in the heart of the neighborhood, the wide array of homes and gardens, and our gorgeous multi-use Wilshire Park that attracts birders, runners, dog owners and their dogs, kids, musicians, sporting events, and a diversity of people. Most of all, though, I love the neighborly feel of the place — family friendly, welcoming, helpful.
What would you tell readers who are interested in volunteering?
Though all 15 board positions are currently filled, there are still ways to participate. I’d recommend attending a monthly meeting or two to become acquainted with our board members and the activities we’re engaged in for the benefit of the neighborhood. Also, check out our website, BWNApdx.org, click on the “Get Involved” tab, and let us know what interests you: the newsletter, helping with events, beautification, or Open to Anything! Other opportunities not yet listed on the website include the communication, transportation, and land use committees and the new-neighbor welcoming project. Feel free to connect directly with the committee chair or lead in any of these categories; you’ll find their contact info on page 2 of every BNWA newsletter.
Volunteer Do Good Meet People Have Fun!
Polly Webber is a real estate agent with Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s. She was born and raised in Beaumont-Wilshire. She lives in the home her grandparents once owned, next door to the house she grew up in — where her mother still lives — making her a lifelong member of our close-knit community.