January Meeting Minutes
At 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday January 10, 2022 more than 30 people attended the annual Bemis Park Neighborhood Association meeting and potluck dinner at Augustana Lutheran Church.
Community potluck and election of new board members
Club members unanimously reelected the BPNA board for another year. The board for 2023 is:
President - Joe Pittack
Vice President - Megan Hepburn Secretary - Patrick Garmoe Treasurer - Dave Brown
At large members: Arlene Cosgrove and Patty French, Fred Brich and Mark Zimmerman
A big thanks to everyone who brought in the delicious food. The club supplied the chicken and president Joe Pittack also donated all sorts of unique, delicious ice cream from his business Ted & Wally’s.
Praying and thinking of our beloved member Arlene Cosgrove
Though more than 30 people attended the pot luck, we missed one of our long time members Arlene Cosgrove, who couldn’t attend due to the unfortunate passing of her grandson. The club opted to send her flowers and signed a card.
New contemplation spot
Next time you’re in Bemis Park, take note of the lovely new bench in honor of Patricia Zitnik, whose obituary you can read here. It was put in as part of the Omaha Parks Foundation program.
Pack the pantry
Augustana Church set up a food pantry on its West Side along 38th Street across from Walnut Hill Park, and encouraged us to chip in.
Church members have been stocking the pantry – which looks exactly like a little library – with canned food, fresh buns, macaroni and cheese boxes and an assortment of other personal care items. They welcome others from the community to pitch in. I for one love the notion that we live in a neighborhood where that kind of thing is available, and that it’s not instantly cleaned out due to overwhelming need.
Porch pirates resurface
Some neighbors reminded people to be on the lookout for porch pirates, due to a few people having packets picked off porches.
One neighbor mentioned she didn’t seem to have issues after putting out a container with a lid and the postal carrier can drop packages in. Pat Giambattista also mentioned he’s had good results with security camera systems. He encouraged people to call or text him at 402.680.5209 if interested in knowing more about his set up.
From fire to for sale
The currently vacant house across from Walnut Hill Park at 1315 N. 38th St., which was on fire and served as a home for squatters, is now for sale. The future of the home was referred to the BPNA housing committee to monitor.
Treasurer’s report
Treasurer Dave Brown reported our budget stands at $4,600, but people were paying dues through the evening.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Submitted by BPNA Secretary Patrick Garmoe
