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Heat-related ills spoil fun

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Karen Wells, CNA Media Team

Playing outside is a must for summer. The sun feels good while having fun. Prevention measures safeguard against hot weather health problems and keep the fun going.

A child’s skin surface area is a greater percentage of their body weight compared to an adult’s, making them more at risk for hot weather problems. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are sun exposure problems that can be avoided by knowing the symptoms and taking quick action.

Heat cramps are usually felt in the arms, hands, legs, feet or shoulders. No one knows the exact reason why heat cramps happen. The universally accepted explanation is: muscles have been over worked and/or the body has lost significant fluid and is in need of rest, more fluids and salt.

Heat exhaustion is a whole-body experience, when our natural cooling system begins to shut down. Look for nausea, vomiting, skin feels clammy or cool to the touch. They may complain of headache or be cranky, irritable, or they may get really thirsty. Any combination of these symptoms are warnings your child is suffering from heat exhaustion.

Take these simple actions to avoid more serious problems:

  • Cool: get out of the sun and find shade
  • Fluids: drink cool water, lots
  • Rest: take a break in the shade to drink cool water
  • When in doubt: call your doctor for advice or further action

Alberta Park on Killingsworth Street at 22nd Avenue offers wonderful shade on hot days. Also, during the week Portland Parks and Recreation hosts Free Lunch + Play programs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Aug. 25.

Remember, our children are always watching. In the morning, suggest they wear loose fitting cotton clothing with short sleeves while you get dressed in the same. Have them take water rest breaks with you in shade.

Karen, OCCD master trainer, early childhood education, conducts health and safety trainings for parents and childcare staff via Child Care Resource and Referral of Multnomah County. She may be reached at 5CornersFamily@ gmail.com or text 619.244.7892.

Ribs cart joins 42nd Avenue restaurant row

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Tyler Bullen, CNA Media Team

James Dixon

James Dixon is no newcomer to serving up barbecue. He’s excited about the location of his new Dixon’s Rib Pit Bar-B-Que on 42nd Avenue. Photo by Tyler Bullen

Longtime Concordia resident James Dixon opened Dixon’s Rib Pit Bar-B-Que in May in the parking lot of the former Rose’s Ice Cream.

The new business marks a third newcomer to the block’s restaurant scene in the past 18 months, following Pizza Jerk and Red Sauce, which both opened in 2016.

He was excited to locate on 42nd Avenue, where he’d been eyeing what he considers the right situation for years. James is a dedicated supporter of northeast Portland’s small business scene, having owned multiple businesses – including 30 years serving barbecue.

Born in Madera, California, James arrived in Portland in 1971 after serving two years as a Marine. He viewed Portland as a complete turnaround from California’s Central Valley. “It was hot and dry there, and Portland is green, with fresh air and stuff growing.”

He began work here as a pastor, and still serves at the Broken Church of God in Christ United, as well as the jurisdictional pastor for the church in Washington state.

James bought his first restaurant at Interstate Avenue and Jarrett Street in 1989. He acquired a second location at 9th Avenue and Broadway Street, and ran both with the help of his family.

MAX construction on Interstate in 2004 changed traffic patterns on the street and prompted him to close that location in favor of one on Alberta Street, first in the Rexall Building at 24th Avenue and later in a food cart. He’s always served barbecue – beef brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs and chicken. By sticking to the basics, he aims to keep the quality of the food high.

He considers his life successful, claiming he’s accomplished nearly everything he’s wanted. His aspirations for his business on 42nd, however, aren’t fulfilled yet. James plans to move into a full cart with outdoor seating at some point, but intends to remain outside the adjacent building, which will be occupied soon by Los Pepitos Tacos.

Throughout his time in northeast Portland, James has seen many changes, but still considers Portland the ideal place to be. “You can have it the way you want to have it here, even now. If you know what you want, you can make it happen here.”

After trying lunch or dinner at Dixon’s Rib Pit Bar-B-Que, you might be lucky enough to hear one of his observations on life, like this one, “Everything that is now is a sign of the times. Nothing is going to be as it used to be, but in the end every thing is going to work out.”

Tyler and his family live in east Concordia. He serves on the Concordia Neighborhood Association Board of Directors and is vice chair of its Land Use & Transportation Committee.

CNA wants polluting oil recyclers shut down

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Garlynn Woodsong Chair, CNA LUTC

Concordia Neighborhood Association (CNA) recently expressed its concerns to Gov. Kate Brown regarding toxic air emissions from oil recycling operations near the Expo Center.

Emissions from two facilities – American Petroleum Environmental Services (APES) and Oil Re-Refining Co. (ORRCO) – are hazardous to human health, according to a June 27 feature in the Portland Tribune.

CNA requested the governor halt the operations of both facilities immediately.

Although recycling used motor oil is a worthy cause, operation of an industrial facility for this purpose cannot come at the expense of public health – regardless of its positive economic impact. Businesses and jobs are replaceable. Human lives are not.

According to the Tribune, a draft permit is currently under review for APES that may allow the emission into the local air shed of as many as 11 pollutants that could cause cancer: arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, nickel, ethylbenzene, formaldehyde, naphthalene and possibly hexavalent chromium.

The draft permit apparently would allow burning of waste oil containing small amounts of chromium, arsenic, lead, cadmium, PCBs, and a category of chlorinated chemicals known as halogens. Burned together, PCBs and halogens produce a catalytic reaction that potentially results in the release of dioxin (and/or dioxin-like compounds), PCBs and benzene. According to a source quoted by the Tribune, “A peanut butter jar full of dioxin would be enough to kill the entire planet.”

Further, the draft permit would apparently allow the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) at more than 10 times the typical concentration emitted by oil refineries across the country. It would also allow the release of up to 255 grams of chromium per year, of which roughly half is estimated to be in the form of hexavalent chromium.

The California Air Resources Board calculates that annual release of 2 grams of that can cause an extra 10 cancers per million people over 70 years. The 125-plus grams of hexavalent chromium the permit would allow – multiplied by the permit’s five years – would result in the emission of up to 625 grams, which could result in more than 3,125 additional cases of cancer here over 70 years. This is from the operations at just one of these two facilities.

CNA has urged the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to deny this permit until such time as the applicants develop operations plans and air quality controls to ensure there is absolutely no potential for ill-health-related side effects.

To guarantee this outcome, CNA demands that no permit be issued until an independent investigation into emissions from APES is completed, the results are analyzed, and an analysis is shared with the community.

CNA requested the governor to:

  • Issue an immediate cease and desist order for both APES and ORRCO
  • Require DEQ not to issue a permit until an independent investigation of emissions has occurred • Initiate an independent investigation of Oregon’s DEQ to determine
    • Why DEQ is allowing dioxin and hexavalent chromium to be emitted into a residential area
    • Who was responsible for allowing the removal of the thermal oxidizers in 2006
  • Require DEQ to issue a citation for the past 11 years of violations related to operations without valid permits The CNA Board of Directors takes this matter very seriously.

It will continue to work with other neighborhoods and community organizations to protect the health of this community.

Ask the Historian: There’s no sign of Old Vernon there

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, History

By Doug Decker, Historian

The original Vernon School was destroyed by fire in 1932. This circa 1912 view of the school’s south side is looking north-northwest. The main entrance was on the north side in the center. Photo courtesy of the Oregon Historical Society

The original Vernon School was destroyed by fire in 1932. This circa 1912 view of the
school’s south side is looking north-northwest. The main entrance was on the north side in
the center. Photo courtesy of the Oregon Historical Society

The question:

I’ve heard there was an old school just south of Alberta Street at 22nd Avenue. What’s the story?
– Luke Griffin

The historian reports:

Yes indeed. You probably k now the vicinity of the old Vernon school south of Alberta Street. But you pr obably ne ver knew it was there, occupying all of the block bounded by 22nd and 23rd avenues between Going and Wygant streets.

Old Vernon was a giant, imposing four-story wood frame building that commanded the center of the block with its main doors facing north. Periodic construction added space over the years, eventually filled out at 17 classrooms in the main building, and several outbuildings for shop, cooking and a play shed. It was a big place.

Old Vernon opened Sept. 15, 1908, with 324 students, many of whom were exports from Highland School (today’s Martin Luther King Jr. School at 6th Avenue and Wygant Street), which had overflowed with more than 700 students.

By 1909, The Oregonian reported Vernon itself was already crowded and plans were being made to add a covered play shed, three portables and a manual training (shop) building.

By 1914 the block was a small campus of four buildings, bulging at the seams with new students. Enrollment ballooned to more than 800 students by the late teens. Meanwhile, plans were being made to build other nearby schools to take the pressure off and create closer-to-home options for local youngsters. Kennedy School on 33rd Avenue was opened in 1915 as part of this push.

By the mid 1920s, trends in school construction, safety and changing demographics were shaping the next generation of area schools. Disastrous school fires in other cities had galvanized the national building codes community – and Portland mayor Harry Lane – into calling for “fireproof” buildings.

In 1926, the Portland School Board voted to close Old Vernon and build a new school on the site we know today at 20th Avenue and Killingsworth Street. This was not a popular move in the community, and required the school board to acquire and raze more than two dozen houses at the new site.

The cornerstone on the new building was set June 6, 1932. A week later, when school ended for the year, Old Vernon closed for the last time.

A few weeks later, Aug. 14, an arsonist set fire to the old school building, lighting up the sky for miles around and bringing the building’s life to an end. The site was cleared and sold to developers who began building houses on the block in the early 1940s.

You’ll notice how house styles on that block are all later than those across the street. Now you know why.

For more information and photos of Old Vernon and several of the nearby houses that were part of the school operation, check out Doug’s website at AlamedaHistory.org and search for “Old Vernon.”

Do you have a question for the neighborhood historian? We love solving mysteries. Contact CNewsEditor@ConcordiaPDX.org with your question, and we’ll ask Doug Decker to do some sleuthing.

Move to 42nd made the difference in business

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Nancy Varekamp, CNews Editor

Cedric Burton, left, and Aaron Peterson couldn’t be happier with the welcome they’ve received at their fish and chips restaurant’s new location on 42nd Avenue.

Cedric Burton, left, and Aaron Peterson couldn’t be happier with the welcome they’ve
received at their fish and chips restaurant’s new location on 42nd Avenue.

One year operating a fish and chips shop on Alberta Street convinced Aaron Peterson and Cedric Burton their concept was great, but the location wasn’t. It took another year to secure the new location at 5302 N.E. 42nd, and the move in April has paid off.

Renamed 42nd Avenue Fish & Chips, the restaurant has increased business by 75 percent and boasts an appreciative following, Aaron said.

“They couldn’t find us on Alberta,” he pointed out. Crowded sidewalks and limited parking worked against them.

Recommendations, a parking lot and A-frame signs at Killingsworth drive new customers to the new location between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week. “We plan to be here for 10 years or more,” Aaron added.

One of the differences they’ve noticed at the new location is ethnicity. Aaron estimates half the customers now are people of color and the other half are white. On Alberta the ratio was 75:25.

But there’s one thing they all have in common. “They sit down, eat and give us high praises,” Cedric pointed out. Praises also come online from customers who take their food to go, and others who order delivery through Grubhook.

“We’re pretty proud of the 5-star ratings we have on Facebook, Yelp and Yahoo,” Aaron added.

Fish choices are cod, catfish, tilapia and basa. The latter is a low-fat Asian fish. “Most people haven’t heard of it,” Cedric said. “But when you taste it, you fall in love.”

The basa and cod are the restaurant’s top sellers, and Aaron’s fish-on-a-stick appeals to people who want to eat on the run. It’s the fish version of a corndog – hold the mustard.

All fish is fried in a gluten-free, cornmeal-based batter with Southern seasoning. It’s the recipe of Aaron’s mother.

“Down South, we always cooked like that,” Cedric reported. He’s originally from Selma, Alabama. Aaron is from Los Angeles.

The two met as students at Adams High School, which stood only a block away from their new enterprise. They spent 30 years in separate careers. Aaron owned a newspaper, grocery store and barber shop, and he worked in a funeral home and as a band promoter. Cedric worked for Pendleton Woolen Mills.

“Owning a restaurant is a blessing, especially when people like your food,” Aaron pointed out. “What more could anyone ask for? It’s an American dream.”

Sanctuary goes (way) beyond church walls

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Nancy Varekamp – CNews Editor

More than 200 people attended last month’s Know Your Rights Forum sponsored by St. Andrew Catholic Church. Education is a cornerstone of the parish’s efforts as a sanctuary church. Photo courtesy of St. Andrew Catholic Church

“Sanctuary is much more than providing a physical space for someone at risk of deportation,” reads the website of nearby St. Andrew Catholic Church. “It is a strategy and set of actions for faith communities, faith-based organizations, and people of conscience.”

The parish takes that statement seriously, according to Diana R. a parishioner active in the movement to support Latino parishioners.

“St. Andrew is very into social justice, so immigration has always been an issue we’ve been involved with,” she said. “When new things started happening, we wanted to make sure the whole parish is into it, and really knowing that we are a sanctuary parish. We’re exploring several aspects.”

Last month’s “Know Your Rights” forum drew 200 people to hear from attorneys and role play various potential scenarios.

A training session for rapid responders in March included 200 volunteers willing to help families in their communities. “We agreed to form friend-families, undocumented persons buddying with citizens to have someone to call in an emergency,” Diana said.

The January “Sanctuary Assembly” also drew a crowd.

Due to space, the church building at 806 N.E. Alberta St. likely won’t serve as a physical sanctuary, unless is absolutely necessary. Instead, parishioners are offering their homes. “They know the legal risk, and many are willing to go all the way,” Diana said.

The parish works with Metropolitan Alliance for the Common Good, and there’s no limit to the preparations. “Nothing has actually happened with our parishioners yet, so we really don’t know how ready we are to respond in a case,” Diana pointed out.

“One of the things that is coming out of all of this is parishioners understanding we are more like each other than different. We are part of a community that shares a lot of values.

“What moves your world is when something happens.”

2017 Juneteenth Oregon Celebration

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

2017 Juneteenth Oregon Celebration Commemorates the 152nd Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation

Date: June 17, 2017
Parade start time: 10:45am

“Bringing our Community Back 2 Life”

Portland, Oregon ~ The Juneteenth Oregon Committee invites you to attend our Annual Juneteenth Oregon Celebration and our Annual “Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

The parade will start off at Safeway parking lot located 5920 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211 and go South on MLK and go along MLK until Russell where it will go West ending at the Juneteenth Oregon Celebration at the Legacy Emanuel Field located NE
Graham & Vancouver. The parade will start at 10:45 AM and the Festival will start immediately following the parade at around Noon ending at 6:00 PM.

Juneteenth Celebration activities include:

  • The Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade Alan Bell the owner of Hana’s Snowballs located on Beech and MLK as the Grand Marshall, The Ebony Strutters, Miss Black Oregon Talented Teen, Community Churches, Groups, Clubs and Community Organizations.
  • Live Bands & Local Artists featuring Randy Starr, 5 Grand and other local artists.
  • Food Vendors
  • Local Retail Vendors
  • Children’s area

This is a Community Event and is Free to EVERYONE and we mean EVERYONE!
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration among African Americans across the country commemorating the announcement of the end of slavery in the United States. It has been an African American tradition since the late 19th Century.

The relationship between Juneteenth Oregon and the City dates back to 1945, when Clara Peoples from Muskogee, OK while working in the shipyards during a lunch break on Juneteenth asked fellow co-workers if they knew about Juneteenth and the answer was no. She
then turned to her supervisor and asked if they could be allowed to celebrate Juneteenth during their 15-minute break and it was approved. Since then, Juneteenth has been celebrated in Portland, Oregon along with a parade that was recently named The Clara Peoples Freedom
Trail Parade.

Why is Juneteenth so important?
It gives African-Americans (and indeed everyone living in America) a sense of togetherness. You don’t have to be African-American to join in celebrating the anniversary of the end of slavery. Everyone is invited to celebrate this important day in black history. This year’s theme is “bringing our community back 2 life” for 2017. We can start by coming together to learn more about our culture and what we can do as a community to educate our youth, empower our youth, love and respect one another. Juneteenth is a celebration of African American’s freedom, but it opens the door for so many other community opportunities.

This year Juneteenth Oregon will be solely operating on donations for this community event. This includes vendors. We are making this actually a free event for everyone in the community to attend, network, learn, and celebrate African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten.

If anyone would like to make a donation towards Juneteenth Oregon Celebration 2017 , visit GoFundMe page here.

Juneteenth Oregon Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/juneteenthoregon15/

Juneteenth Oregon website
www.juneteenthor.com

Pedalpalooza offers 230 rides

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Events

By Riley O’Boyle – CNA Media Team

Erinne Goodell and Kirk Paulsen bike riding

Erinne Goodell and Kirk Paulsen enjoy a variety of bike rides during every June’s Pedalpalooza. This year they’ll lead one of northeast Portland’s alleys, including some in Concordia. Photo by Chris Baker

Riding bare as you dare in a sea of other naked bike riders happens once every June during Pedalpalooza. The World Naked Bike Ride highlights the importance and vulnerability of people on bikes in the U.S. oil-centric culture.

The June 24 event – which begins this year at Fernhill Park –is also the biggest event of more than 230 free organized bike rides held during Portland’s month-long Pedalpalooza, an annual family-friendly celebration of bicycle delight.

In fact, the Concordia neighborhood is featured in a June 18 ride led by neighborhood residents Kirk Paulsen and Erinne Goodell, exploring the back alleys of northeast Portland.

“Something important to know going into Pedalpalooza, is that you’ll likely rest as much as you ride.” Kirk explained. “Many rides operate on ‘bike time,’ where the rides don’t usually start until 15 minutes or more after the scheduled time of departure.”

“Of course there are rides led by local bike shops and organizations that operate strictly on schedule,” Erinne added. “But generally, there’s as much socializing as bicycling to be found.”

Like the rides planned by Erinne and Kirk, all of Pedalpalooza’s themed rides are organized by individuals throughout the Portland and Vancouver metro areas. Find the schedule on Pedalpalooza.org.

There are fast rides and slow rides, costumed rides, and rides that involve plenty of noise and bright lights. Some show off specialized bikes, like folding or cargo bikes, and others dare people to get lost in the city at midnight.

Some teach how to maintain bikes, or to advocate for safer streets. BikeLoudPDX, a local grassroots advocacy group, leads advocacy and protest rides, like demonstrating against widening I-5 near the Rose Quarter.

Pedalpalooza started in 2003 as an offshoot of Bike Summer, during which Portland adopted its own version of the World Naked Bike Ride. Both were organized, international events similar to Critical Mass, in which people on bikes rode together through city streets to bring attention to the need for safe bicycle lanes and parking, and to celebrate the joy of biking.

Pedalpalooza is now facilitated by shift, a grassroots, volunteer-led, bikefun community formed during Bike Summer. Members strive to demonstrate the value of bicycling through activities that are fun, free, inclusive and, in this case, great for kicking off summer.

Riley, certified EIT, works in land development and site engineering, and can be reached at RSOboyle13@gmail.com

Dining Out for Life

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Events

HIV Day Care Center volunteer George (left) and social work intern Tate review orders while preparing breakfast for clients. The center is one of two agencies in the Portland area – and one of 60 on the continent – to receive funding from Dining Out for Life on Thursday, April 27. Photo by Marcus Murray

Dining Out for Life (in Concordia)

Thursday, April 27

Dine out at one of seven Concordia restaurants Thursday, April 27, and you can make a difference in the lives of people with HIV and AIDS.

The businesses are among 35 restaurants in Portland and 3,000 across North America donating a portion of their April 27 proceeds to Dining Out for Life. That nonprofit organization distributes the funds to 60 outstanding HIV/AIDS service organizations, including two in Portland.

One is Concordia’s own HIV Day Center and the other is Partnership Project.

The seven closest restaurants are:

  • Bison Coffeehouse
  • Extracto Coffeehouse
  • Extracto Roastery & Coffeehouse
  • McMenamins Kennedy School Courtyard Restaurant
  • P & Q’s Market
  • Peter’s Bar & Grill
  • Red Sauce Pizza

Portland is in its ninth year participating in nonprofit Dining Out for Life which, across North America, raises about $4 million each year.

Services aren’t limited to medical at HIV center

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Dan Werle, CNA Media Team

HIV Day Care Center volunteer George (left) and social work intern Tate review orders while preparing breakfast for clients. The center is one of two agencies in the Portland area – and one of 60 on the continent – to receive funding from Dining Out for Life on Thursday, April 27. Photo by Marcus Murray

In spring 1990, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) opened its doors to the nation’s first free-standing, community-based program committed to serving people who are low income and living with HIV.

Nearly 27 years later, the HIV Day Center continues to serve the needs of people living with HIV.

It’s located in the Ainsworth United Church of Christ building, near 29th Avenue and Ainsworth Street. According to center literature, it’s one of EMO’s HIV Services programs that strive to address basic needs of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in a manner of respect, compassion and safety.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. All services provided by the day center staff and volunteers are free, and include hot breakfasts and lunches, internet access, free Wi-Fi, laundry machines, clothing, hot showers and hygiene supplies.

Volunteer practitioners and students also provide massages, haircuts, foot care and acupuncture. Additionally, information and referral services, and knowledgeable, compassionate staff support are available to help clients access other resources available for people living with HIV.

Jesse Herbach has been with EMO’s HIV Services for the past 3½ years. He points out the core of the project is best illustrated through the intangibles clients receive at the center.

“When people are less isolated and more engaged with their peers, their health outcomes are better,” he said. “The center provides a place where people with vastly different backgrounds create strong friendships.” That takes place sharing meals, shooting pool or during the popular Monday bingo games.

People seeking services at the center often show up for just meals and clothing initially.
“What keeps them coming back are the relationships that get built,” Jesse explained. They befriend other clients, volunteers and staff members.

If you’re interested in volunteering with the HIV Day Center the Daily Bread Express, its companion program for home-delivered meals, contact Mika Mulkey at MMulkey@EMOregon.org or 503.460.3822.

Another way you can help is by participating in the Thursday, April 27, Dining Out For Life. More than 30 restaurants in the Portland metro area will donate 20 to 35 percent of each diner’s bill to HIV services in the area, including the HIV Day Center.
This year, Concordia area businesses participating include Extracto, Kennedy School, P’s & Q’s Market and Red Sauce Pizza. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit DiningOutForLife.com/portland.

Dan Werle lives in Concordia with his wife, Anna, and their dogs.