Concordia Neighborhood Association | Portland, Oregon

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Chair’s Corner – We will come together again

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Astrid Furstner | CNA Chair

Changes can be difficult and stressful. Concordia is not alone in going through changes. We are all facing the new challenges and changes that come with dealing with COVID-19.

On April 1, the CNA Board of Directors conducted its first remote meeting. By now, I’m sure we have all held a meeting – work, neighborhood or family – using a social platform. It’s been an interesting experience.

The board was able to address a few things, while others items were postponed. We discussed the cancellation of our neighborhood’s beloved Spring Egg Hunt. We were sad to cancel the event – so was my daughter – and I understand the frustration you may have felt too. Given the circumstances, we felt it was the safest action for our community.

Unfortunately, the city has advised us it has canceled this summer’s concerts and movies in Fernhill Park. It also canceled the annual neighborhood cleanup event planned for May 30.

While all of this is frustrating and sad – and provided that next year we are pandemic free – we are planning on continuing with these popular events.

A few other items that have been postponed for now are three suggestions submitted to me:

  • Potential summer block party
  • Potential summer cookout
  • Formation of a committee to assist our senior residents in need.

As much as we would like to move forward with these, we are unable currently to do so with respect to social distancing. However, we will not be restricted forever. When the time comes again to be able to gather, I think a block party would be a great beginning to reconnecting.

Then we can also move forward putting together a group of volunteers to help neighbors who need assistance. Feel free to email me at Chair@ ConcordiaPDX.org with ideas about the events and/or your interest in volunteering.

Finally, the board discussed working with The Street Trust to host a free legal clinic regarding the rules of the road. When we are able to all be in a room together, we hope to be able to provide something like that to all of you.

Again, if you have ideas, topics, discussions or questions for CNA to address, please email me – or join the board at our May 6 meeting. Information is in the right column of this page for you to learn how to join in.

Stay safe and healthy. Wishing you all well.

Astrid Furstner is a mother, a wife, an immigrant, a local artist and an artisan. She lives with her luthier husband, Brent, and her artist-in-the-making daughter, Luciana. Together, they call Concordia their home

Plug into activism for a Positive Charge!

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Volunteer Opportunities

By Carrie Wenninger | CNA Media Team

Concordian Gail Levine and others formed Positive Charge! PDX in 2016 to act locally to amplify loving kindness on a collective scale. Group activities have been on hold during the COVID-19 crisis, but she offers ideas for several opportunities for individuals. Photo courtesy of Gail Levine

Gail Levine answered her phone in Austin, having left her Portland home in mid-March to quarantine with her husband in Texas. Her Concordia house is currently occupied by an OHSU pediatric nurse.

They have never met in person but, when she saw this frontline worker’s plea for a place to live that would keep him safely distanced from his family during the COVID-19 emergency, she offered the empty abode without hesitation.

“It just felt like the right thing to do,” she shared. “And it’s working out wonderfully.”

It will come as no surprise, then, to learn that Gail is one of the core group of individuals who formed Positive Charge! PDX, a four-year-old volunteer group open to everyone and dedicated to doing good things and sharing good news.

The group hopes others will follow the example of, as the website states, “Acting locally to amplify loving kindness on a collective scale.”

The organization hosts a wide range of activities on a variety of issues for seniors, hospitalized children, the homeless, foster children, abused women and more.

The largest event to date was the free, citywide Amplify Kindness! PDX gathering in October that featured keynote speaker state Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward.

The focus was on creating tokens of kindness to take home and give away, and Hayward departed the workshop with a haul of painted kindness rocks to distribute back in Salem.

Other projects have included activities such as assembling welcome boxes for foster children through Embrace Oregon, baking and delivering cookies to emergency workers on Christmas Day and crocheting plastic yarn sleeping mats for houseless neighbors.

“People want to do something for their community but don’t know how,” Gail reported. “Positive Charge! gives them the opportunity.”

Group get-togethers and events were still on hold at CNews press time. According to Gail, opportunities still abound to help others and increase your own well-being.

Those include sewing masks, donating funds to local food pantries, painting and displaying your own kindness rocks, writing sidewalk chalk messages, and participating in the 7 p.m. shout-outs to thank essential workers.

Every small act of kindness expands and strengthens the web and makes a difference, she pointed out.

“Most people, I believe, have hearts of gold,” Gail said. “They just need to know what they can do, where to focus their attention and how to be of help.”

Plug in and get more ideas and inspiration at PositiveChargePDX.org.

Carrie Wenninger lives on 29th Avenue in Concordia. She is a freelance writer, a mom, a world traveler and a small business marketing consultant. Contact her at WurdGurl@gmail.com.

Satisfaction is the reward for this volunteer

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Marsha Sandman | CNA Media Team

Greg McAllister spent his entire career demonstrating his passion for people. Now he does that as a volunteer driver for Ride Connection. Photo courtesy of Greg McAllister

Some older adults and people with disabilities need in-home support and/or transportation to live their lives gracefully. Not everyone has a family support system.

Through Project Linkage and Ride Connection, volunteers offer transport to make it possible for those in need to exist with dignity in their own homes, and to feel connected to their community.

Ride Connection is part of Metropolitan Family Service, a private nonprofit organization.

Full-time employees and volunteers provide rides to and from grocery stores, medical appointments and other destinations, using personal or agency vehicles.

“When people are no longer isolated, it’s easier to access healthy food, get to medical appointments and stay connected with their communities,” the 30-year-old organization’s website reported. “With the help of others, life is a little easier and a lot more fulfilling.”

Neighbors who serve as volunteers are rewarded with the satisfaction of seeing their time and energy make a real difference in a real way, according to Greg McAllister.

The local volunteer has a passion for giving and helping that began when, as a junior in high school, he joined the seminary. After nine years, he realized he had lost his belief in organized religion. So he left the seminary and moved to San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury.

As Greg moved around the country, he wore many hats. Among other jobs, he’s been a truck driver, bar tender, career adviser, editor, author, film maker and college professor.

Also along the way, he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in creative arts interdisciplinary studies.

After retiring, Greg and wife Linda moved to Vermont, where they both volunteered in hospice care for 10 years. Now in Portland, he cultivates his passions and enjoys his children and grandchildren.

“People are my passion and always have been,” Greg said. Does he walk that talk? Find out how at GregoryMcAllister.com.

As COVID-19 moves safely to the rearview mirror – and if you or someone you know is in need of transportation assistance – contact Ride Connection at 503. 226.0700 to register and request rides. You just might find Greg behind the wheel.

After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.

Cat Six soldiers on, despite damage, virus

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Keith Daellenbach | CNA Media Team

Kirk Bernhardt, left with Steve the cat, and Tim Wesolowski were flexible in serving customers for six months during reconstruction at Cat Six Cycles following a car accident. So flexibility was a habit when the state’s “stay home, save lives” order was issued. Photo by Keith Daellenbach

Have you wondered about the name of Cat Six Cycles, 4831 N.E 42nd Ave.? It stems from the five categories of bike racing from semi-pro to beginners. “Cat 6,” short for “Category 6,” is a tongue-in-cheek reference to bicycle commuters riding their own competitive race.

Kirk Bernhardt and Tim Wesolowski operate their own race, a full-service bike store. Steve, the gray and appropriate sixtoed cat, is the store mascot in charge of morale. “Steve’s number one trait would be curiosity mixed with an utter dedication to the art of sleeping,” Kirk reported.

Cat Six is an accessible shop. “Bike shops can be funny places and unfortunately they can be intimidating for lots of different folks,” Tim said. “We really strive to not be that shop and provide our absolute best to everyone who comes through the door.”

Cat Six can fix a dilapidated jalopy of a bike for a reasonable price, or it can tune up an expensive racer.

Tim and Kirk sell a variety of proven bicycles that are especially helpful for new bikers. “We’re very hands-on in our test ride process, trying to make absolutely certain that our customers get just the right bikes,” Tim pointed out. They dial in the fit.

On a September night last year, shortly after Kirk and Tim celebrated the store’s fifth anniversary, a car crashed into the shop.

“Thankfully, no one got hurt but there was major structural damage,” Tim explained. He and Kirk soldiered on with a temporary storefront, and the store remained open.

The construction repair was completed in February before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Open hours were temporarily paused in mid-March to promote social distancing, and gift certificates were available online.

When the “stay home, save lives” order was issued, bicycling was recognized for its noncontact and social distancing. So Cat Six began a modified opening for people to drop by, purchase needed equipment and leave bikes for repairs.

Check with the store – 503.282.1178 or CatSixCycles.com – for its current open hours.

During the autumn and winter, DIY “Neighborhood Nights” are hosted at Cat Six on many Thursday evenings. Kirk and Tim provide helpful advice and generous use of specialty bike tools for personal bike repair.

They charge for parts, but not their time. Although snacks and libations are not required, they are appreciated. In fact, Kirk is known to enjoy a Tecate occasionally.

Those evenings offer an opportunity to get to know your bike better, learn some skills and have fun with Tim, Kirk and Steve.

Editor’s note: Keith has more to tell about Cat Six than fits in the limited space of a CNews story. For “the rest of the story,” visit ConcordiaPDX.org/CatSix.

Keith Daellenbach is a mechanical engineer and outdoor enthusiast who loves mountain climbing, biking and canoeing with wife Amy, and teenage son Micah. An annual summer solstice rite of passage is to bike up Larch Mountain from his home in Concordia.

Portland flower bombing reaches Concordia

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Maquette Reeverts | Alberta Art Works

Kaitland Menasco, Royal Blossoms owner and designer, took delight in her role in #FlowerTourPDX. She flower bombed this spot on Alberta Street with blossoms donated by Portland Flower Market. Photo by Maquette Reeverts

When Portland Flower Market suppliers realized in March that they had to close their doors due to COVID-19 – and that their stock was to be thrown away – Jocelyn Kehrle with Mayesh Wholesale Florist rallied the troops and came up with a much better idea.

The idea? Give the flowers to local floral designers who, in turn, would “flower bomb” the city.

The repurposing of the flowers and greenery honored the hard work of the farmers and workers who planted, cared for and harvested the flora. Instead of being composted, the flowers became a love letter to the city.

Kaitland Menasco, owner and designer of Royal Blooms and a neighbor, designed Alberta Street’s flower bomb and created her arrangement on the northeast corner of its intersection with 21st Avenue.

Her design grew from the corner, disguising the chain link fence surrounding the vacant lot of Volkswagens being repaired.

“I chose that spot because of the mural in the background that reads ‘keep your chin up,’” Kaitland said. “I thought it was a powerful statement, especially now.”

She designed her arrangement organically, allowing the design to ebb and flow like water to symbolize the ebb and flow of the current situation. She wanted to contribute to her community by creating this temporary spot to literally stop and smell the roses.

The project was called #FlowerTourPDX and, with a downloadable map, everyone was invited to take a drive-by tour of the various creations.

But for those on their daily outings who didn’t know the grand plan, there was unexpected color and beauty they welcomed during a strange and stressful time.

Michel Reeverts, aka Maquette, holds a master of arts degree in art education, serves Alberta Art Works as director and Alberta Street Gallery as a board member. She is also a practicing artist. Contact her at Maquette@AlbertaArtWorks.org

Neighbors exercise, get connected

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Health and Wellness

By Tamara Anne Fowler & Nancy Varekamp | CNA Media team

As many as 10 families have been staying fit, reducing stress and staying connected socially since PE teacher Sam Balto began exercise classes in the street. Photo by Chris Baker

Sam Balto knows you can social distance without losing social connections. Beginning March 16, he’s led his Concordia neighbors – children and adults alike – in workouts five afternoons a week.

The physical education teacher at Cesar Chavez School in Portsmouth Neighborhood has been teaching for more than 10 years at schools in Boston and Washington, D.C. – in addition to serving as a Playworks coach.

He’s devoted to making streets safe for all road users, and is the Safe Routes to School champion at Cesar Chavez. Oregon Walks last year recognized his efforts with an award.

In fact, his “stay home, save lives” classes occur on the pavement in front of his house on 35th Avenue, which closes temporarily at both ends of the block.

“I saw a video from Italy where someone was leading people in his apartment building in exercise,” Sam explained. “He was in the courtyard and everyone was on their balconies.

“Even though we are practicing physical distancing right now, I knew that it was important to still be socially connected and to get physical activity. I knew it would be something fun to put a smile on everyone’s faces.”

So Sam texted his neighbors with an invitation to join the class. “We have a lot of children on our block, including my son Lev.”

Parents and neighbors without children at home also show up. Wife Kayci participates, and even the family dog Orli joins in.

The workouts aren’t silent. In addition to occasional grunting and groaning – and plenty of cheering – participants are motivated with “A Fishy Song.” To add it to your own exercise regimen, find it here.

By CNews press time, the exercise group had grown to more than 10 families. But the pavement continued to accommodate plenty of room for participants to respect six-foot distances from each other.

“Some kids on the block have invited their classmates,” Sam said. “Word of mouth and making sure to be inclusive of everyone is so important.

“People in the neighborhood have made class part of their afternoon routine,” Sam pointed out. “It’s important to be consistent every day, rain or shine.”

Physical fitness has been a lifetime passion for him. “During these uncertain times, activity is more important than ever.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, stress can reduce people’s immune systems.

“When you exercise, your body releases a chemical called endorphins,” Sam explained. “Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body and help reduce stress.”

Vernon parade takes greetings to students

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Schools

More than 50 Vernon School staff members – in more than 40 vehicles – toured the neighborhood April 17 to raise the spirits of their students – and themselves.

School closed March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The school community learned April 9 that schools won’t reopen before the end of the academic year.

Countless students and their families observed social distancing recommendations at their curbs and in Alberta Park. They wore face masks and waved home-made and printed school signs at the passing cars.

The parade was organized by Aimee Havens, 6th grade language arts and literature teacher. The parade was especially bittersweet for 1st grade teacher Kristi Kucera. She retires in June after 21 years teaching at the school.

“I burst into tears midway along the route,” she reported. “I realized the parade was the closest I would get to say good bye and hug the multitude of students.”

Photos by Lloyd Kimmeldorf and Mandy Davis.

Fixing Our Streets up for renewal

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Land Use & Transportation

By Garlynn Woodsong | CNA Board Member, SW1 CNA LUTC Chair

On the May primary ballot, you’ll have the opportunity to renew the 10-cent gas tax to raise $74. 5 million for road improvements in Portland. The $64 million budget produced from the 2016 tax will finish off this year with repaving Alberta Street from 15th to 30thavenues. Photo by Nancy Varekamp

In May 2016, Portlanders voted to add a dime to the price per gallon of gasoline within city limits to raise money to fund city streets.

Since 2016, $64 million has been raised to fund street repairs and safety improvements, including:

  • 40 miles of road paving through more than 400 “base repair” heavy-duty street rebuild projects
  • 27 new wheelchair-accessible sidewalk ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards
  • 58 intersection safety upgrades
  • 79 Safe Routes to School projects, serving at least 31 elementary schools, eight middle schools and 10 high schools
  • Funding toward the repaving of Alberta Street from 15th to 30th avenues, expected this October

That four-year temporary tax is scheduled to expire this year. Portland City Council voted unanimously Feb. 6 to refer a renewal of the Fixing Our Streets program, to the May 19 primary election ballot.

The new four-year measure is expected to fund $74.5 million of additional projects, including:

  • $25 million for paving
  • $4 million citywide for base repair, repairing sections of failing streets
  • $4 million for maintaining Portland’s gravel streets
  • $5 million for a dedicated, year-round pothole repair crew
  • $5 million for new traffic signals and beacons on some of Portland’s most dangerous streets
  • $4.5 million for sidewalks
  • $4.5 million for street lighting
  • $6 million for Safe Routes to School projects
  • $4.5 million for Neighborhood Greenway projects
  • $1.5 million for Neighborhood Safety Improvements focused on saving lives and preventing injuries for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users
  • $10.5 million for basic safety improvement projects

Spending under the new measure, if approved in May, will continue to be overseen by a committee, made up of representatives of multiple communities with a stake in Portland’s streets and roads.

When the original gas tax was passed in 2016, it established the city’s first dedicated fund for street repairs and safety improvements. At that time, the city faced a $2 billion street repair backlog. The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax that was passed at the same time on companies operating trucks more than 13 tons to ensure they also paid their fair share for road repairs, has since raised $8 million.

Garlynn Woodsong lives on 29th Avenue, serves on the CNA board and is an avid bicyclist. He also is a dad who is passionate about the city his son will inherit. He is the planning + development partner with Cascadia Partners LLC, a local urban planning firm. Contact him at LandUse@ConcordiaPDX.org.

Dining Out for Life supports local HIV center

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Nancy Varekamp | CNews Editor

Chris Lopez and Katie Ugolini support the HIV Day Care Center every April during the Dining Out for Life fundraiser. Find them April 30 at a local restaurant, greeting diners and thanking them for the 20-35% of their bills the restaurant will donate to the organization. Photo by Nancy Varekamp

According to Katie Ugolini, raising funds for a valuable community resource can be as easy as enjoying a meal in a local restaurant Thursday, April 30.

That’s the concept behind Dining Out for Life, and it’s what you’ll find her doing that evening.

She and husband Chris Lopez serve as ambassadors each year at a participating restaurant. They invite friends and acquaintances to join them, greet diners and generally spread the word about Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s HIV Day Center in Concordia.

Check Facebook.com/groups/ConcordiaPDX the week beginning April 23 for a list of local participating restaurants.

The restaurants donate 20-35% of each diner’s bill to Dining Out for Life to support that day center and the OHSU Partnership Project. The organizations provide vital programs and services to area residents living with HIV.

Supporting the day center isn’t on Katie’s calendar just one evening a year. For about 10 years, she’s been a Friday breakfast volunteer. She arrives in time to take orders, serve the meals and more.

“Just washing dishes make me feel like I’m doing something. It’s often my favorite day of the week,” she explained. “It’s important to give back to people who have been marginalized and to ensure they are seen and heard.

“I think the stigma of AIDS and HIV still keep people from seeking services,” she added. “Here people are respected and feel safe. And they’re so supportive of each other.”

Volunteering and fundraising is nothing new for the former CNA chair, board member, social committee chair and still active participant. She became aware of the day center when fellow CNA veteran George Bruender invited her to an annual AIDS Day breakfast at Concordia University.

The center’s clients spoke about what the center means to them.

“It definitely moved me,” Katie said. “It’s such an open, welcoming community for people.”

The HIV Day center opened 30 years ago. It’s the oldest free-standing, multi-service, drop-in center for lowincome people living with HIV/AIDS in the country, according to Katie. (See the related CNews article.)

Among the myriad services offered is foot care, currently provided by Concordia University nursing students. “Some remain as volunteers,” Katie said.

Her day job is as a psychologist, so Katie is accustomed to hearing people’s stories. At the day center, she is a friend and volunteer.

“The clients are very inspiring,” she pointed out. “I feel so grateful to meet them and so honored to hear their stories.”

Nancy Varekamp is semiretired from her career in journalism, public relations and – her favorite work engagement – writing and editing targeted newsletters.

Chair’s Corner – Together we face CU closing

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Astrid Furstner | CNA Chair

Resilience is defined as having the ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity or the like. In Concordia, the place we call home, resilience is being able to recover from the news that left us reeling – the closure of Concordia University.

At our March general meeting, we had asked Julie Dodge, doctor of ministry, to speak to us about resilience – something that she deals with and helps others to deal with on a daily basis. The university associate professor was invited as a speaker for our March event prior to the university’s announcement about closing.

The strength and courage she showed in still coming to our meeting was amazing. As a matter of fact, there were several other staff/faculty members in attendance that night – not as representatives of the school, but as members of the community, neighbors and as people whose lives have also been changed.

The school is closing. The students will no longer be on campus. The faculty and staff are losing their jobs. This is what we have to contend with as a community.

There will soon be a void. There is uncertainty. How will we, as a community, come together and fill that void?

Let us begin with our children. Karmin Williams, Ed.D., Faubion School principal, attended. She alleviated some fears by reporting the Faubion building is owned by Portland Public Schools (PPS) – not the university.

Faubion is not closing. She also said the university was providing 40% of funding along with volunteers and teaching students, in addition to a full-time employee who coordinated community activities. So Faubion will face a shortfall, both in finances and assistance.

What can we, as a community, do to help? Volunteer. Any neighbor who wishes to volunteer must go through a PPS background check and application process. Learn more at PPS.net. How much time do you have?

The university provided our community with the use of its library. That’s closing. But, did you know that we have six other public libraries that we can also use – for free?

They are: Kenton Library on north Denver Avenue, North Portland Library on north Killingsworth Street, St. Johns Library on north Charleston Avenue, Albina Library on northeast 15th Avenue and the Hollywood Library on northeast Tillamook Street. We also have several free little libraries in our community. Leave a book – take a book.

The closing of the university does have an impact on our community, but it does not have to destroy us. Change is here, how do we face it?

Personally, I say we face it together.

Why not work together to continue to make Concordia our home – a place where our children can live out their lives and create memories? A place where we care for our neighbors. A place where we thrive as a community.

Astrid Furstner is a mother, a wife, an immigrant, a local artist and an artisan. She lives with her luthier husband, Brent, and her artist-in-the-making daughter, Luciana. Together, they call Concordia their home.