A strong show of people came out to our Annual Meeting at the Providence Hmong Church to enjoy a review of what WBNA accomplished with neighbors in 2018. We also celebrated the WBNA Award winners, met our 2019 Board of Directors, and got a look at what's to come in 2019.
After an introduction from our host Pastor G, Executive Director Kari Lang walked us through the achievements of our last year with the annual Director’s Report and Year-in-Review presentation.
2018 was marked by important work for both people and place. We celebrated a year that was rich with community building around local issues such as the Cranston Street Armory’s future, with learning from neighbors about community concerns, and with civic engagement at our monthly Neighborhood Nights meetings. We also continued conversations on tough issues such as inclusivity and maintaining neighborhood diversity through our Community/Comunidad 1 Committee.
Ms. Lang and WBNA Program Manager Rod Mortier presented the 2019 WBNA Awards, which honor outstanding service to our west side community and those who lead initiatives and projects that support the WBNA's mission. Congratulations to our WBNA Award winners!
2019 Award Recipients
Municipal Service Award
Jackie Poulios, Director of Zuccolo Recreation Center
Fueling Community Award
Providence Building, Sanitary & Educational Association for Wiggin Village Apartments
Neighborhood Action Award
Urban Greens Food Co-op
Certificate of Recognition Awards
Senator Paul V. Jabour
Councilman Bryan Principe
Clark Schoettle
Kim Smith Barnett
Outgoing board members (whom we will miss) were recognized for their work and commitment by Nominating Committee member Emily Koo, followed by a welcome and voting in of our 2019 Board of Directors. WBNA board members are neighbors who volunteer their time and talents to help guide the organization according to its mission and goals. A public nomination period for board, committee, and award candidates is held in November of each year.
Before the meeting's close, outgoing Board President Matt Gabor and incoming President Caleb Borchers presented the results of last year’s neighbor surveys and door to door listening campaign, and introduced our 2019-2023 Strategic Plan, which will guide WBNA’s work plans for the next five years. Thanks to everyone who took part in our surveys and listening campaign last year!
WBNA is people powered, and strives to continue its work of shaping the west side as place for people, all people, guided by community voice and advocacy. We ask neighbors to engage and get involved in our initiatives and events, and attend our monthly Neighborhood Nights where we can center as a community on local issues that matter to us.
We thank our wonderful neighbors at Providence Hmong Church for hosting us, Sin Bakery for our cake reception, Suzanne Perry from Excellent Point, and all the neighbors who came out to celebrate with us.