Snapshots from the CWEA 47th Annual Meeting

The 47th Annual Meeting of the Central West End Association took place Monday, January 20 in the lobby of the Pierce Arrow Building, 4814 Washington Ave., where the organization's office is located.  A dinner followed the business portion of the meeting at Evangeline's Bistro & Music House, 512 N. Euclid.

Board member Jim Dwyer introduced the meeting with a report on the "State of the CWEA" in which he spoke of the history of the organization since its formation in 1958. Over the years the CWEA has played important roles in the resurgence of the neighborhood, perhaps most significantly by influencing  the outcome of numerous design and construction initiatives in ways that have contributed to its current vitality. In recent years, as other neighborhood organizations have come into existence, (Small Business Districts, the CWE North Community Improvement District, and the Neighborhood Security Initiative), the leadership of the organization realized it needed to re-evaluate its purpose and hired a consultant to assist with developing a long-term strategic marketing and operational plan.

The mission statement that resulted from that exercise is as follows:

"The Central West End Association is a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to fostering a vibrant, engaged and connected community by preserving our history, providing residents with timely information and access to neighborhood leaders, and hosting social activities."

Board member Frances Thompson spoke about the upcoming CWEA House Tour, the largest fundraiser the organization has, which will celebrate its 44th year in 2014. Members of the board are in the process of securing houses for this year's tour which is scheduled to take place the end of May. The event's success relies foremost on the generosity of neighborhood homeowners, but also depends heavily on the assistance of many volunteers. As soon as information is available, please consider volunteering your time.

Current board members whose terms will carry over include Amy Howell Mittelstadt, Frances Thompson, Cheryl Tadin, Jim Dwyer, and Lea Luchetti. The terms of board members John McPheeters, chair of the Planning & Development Committee, and Clarence Dula have expired.

Eight new board members were elected at the meeting. They include: Anna Cardot, Pat Rein, Eric Hamblett, Melody Walker, Steven Willman, Heather Hogan, Josie Poulton, and Anthony Baima.

Tom Topping, above, operations manager of the Central West End Association, has been with the organization since early fall. Tom, who is from Detroit, studied urban planning and community organizing in college and came to St. Louis as a Coro Fellow.  Contact Tom for questions about the organization and/or resources in the neighborhood, (314) 367-2220 or [email protected].

The annual meeting is the occasion when the winners of the Polk and Renaissance Awards are announced. The Polk Award, which has been awarded for the past 20 years, is named after the late William Julius Polk. The award is given to someone who has consistently contributed to the betterment of the neighborhood. This year the award went to Arthur Culbert, Urban Farmer. Arthur started a community garden several years ago on Waterman west of Kingshighway. The garden provides organic produce for two food pantries in the neighborhood run by Trinity Episcopal Church and Second Presbyterian Church. When Arthur came up with the notion, he asked the administration of the neighborhood's New City School to join the project as part of a 4th grade curriculum on poverty and social justice. Read more about this imaginative program and how it's implemented here.

Arthur, who was out of town and not able to accept the award in person, sent Karen Buckey, above left, a food pantry volunteer from Second Presbyterian Church, and New City School 5th graders Oliver Zimmerman and Ellie Hughes, above right, in his place.  The young students spoke eloquently about how much last year's work in the garden meant to them. Oliver said he was honored to be at the meeting in Arthur's place, and because of the experience working in the community garden, he's started a vegetable garden in his own backyard. Ellie said she enjoys helping people by growing food for them, and on one occasion, the experience of making sandwiches for patrons of the food pantry was "a fun way to do something nice."

Next up for CWEA: Happy Hour at Wild Flower (corner of Euclid & Laclede) this Friday, February 7, from 5 to 7. All are welcome to socialize with neighbors, learn more about the organization, and support a local business. Membership ($25 for individual, $50 family) is not required to attend. Open bar, complimentary appetizers.

Central West End Association, 4814 Washington, (314) 367-2220.