Concordia Neighborhood Association | Portland, Oregon

Author Archives: Gordon Riggs

Does Portland need police reform?

Posted on by Posted in CNA, Concordia News, Events

Have you lost confidence in the Portland Police Bureau? Your Concordia Neighborhood Association wants your opinion. Make your voice heard at the virtual association general meeting Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. Read the draft letter on Page 6 of the October CNews or online: Draft letter to Portland city leadership.

To attend the virtual meeting at 7 p.m on Wednesday:

Web: https://meet.google.com/jwb-ivfb-mcv
Phone: +1 413-779-5435 PIN: 246824040#

Please join your neighbors for this important meeting!

Concordia Neighborhood Association Mixer

Posted on by Posted in CNA, Concordia News, Events

Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, 6 – 8 p.m.

Location: YesYes Healing Garden, 1626 NE Alberta St.

Tour Alberta Street’s newest wellness practice. It offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, several genres of massage and more. Founders John Kozel and KMA Sullivan will offer tours, beverages and hors d’oeuvres. This is CNA’s first opportunity in 2020 to mingle with your neighbors.

Details: soniagf419@gmail.com

Concordia community events calendar for January

Posted on by Posted in Arts & Culture, Events

Tuesday, Dec. 31-Wednesday, Jan. 1, noon-5pm

CREATIVE PATH WALK: Turning of the Year–Hopes & Resolutions for 2020

Location: Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd

The monthly indoor community contemplative walk is on the historic Chartres pattern. Traversing the design offers the opportunity to focus & still the mind. Donations accepted, reservations encouraged. Wear comfortable socks.

Details: creativepathwalk.org

Fridays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, 10:30am-noon

FEAST COMMUNITY CHOIR

Location: Subud Portland, 3185 NE Regents

Forget Everything & Sing Together (FEAST) is a community acapella choir with the goal to build community. New singers welcome.

Details/fee: feastcommunitychoir.com

Monday, Jan. 6-Friday, March 20, library open hours

Heather Goodwind Exhibit

Location: Concordia University Library

Helen Goodwind deploys paint, ink & graphite to create a personal anthology of the archetypal images she presents as a permanent record of her experience. Her current projects include large scale works on canvas, & self-data collection to track & optimize her creative process. The exhibit shows through the Concordia University Library Multicultural Arts & Events Program. A reception for the artist is Thursday, Jan. 30, 5:30-8:30pm.

Details/library open hours: cu-portland.edu/academics/libraries/library-calendar

Tuesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, 4-8pm

TIME TOGETHER: TUESDAYS

Location: Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd

Gather, knit, craft, fold, chat, be. This open house connects friends. Most Tuesdays include a 22-foot Chartres pattern labyrinth for a contemplative walk.

Details: cerimonhouse.org

Saturday, Jan. 11, 3-5pm

Home Energy Score Workshop

Location: Community Energy Project, 2900 SE Stark

Portland homes now require home energy scores to be listed for sale. This class is for home sellers/buyers & real estate brokers. Class covers interpreting home energy score reports & effective energy efficiency upgrades.

Details/registration: communityenergyproject.org

Sunday, Jan. 12, 3-5:30pm

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Location: Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd

Join community members to talk about neighborhood change in the premiere of the film “Diary of a Street. ” Learn about early neighborhood history from CNews historian Doug Decker. Explore diverse perspectives on neighborhood change with a panel from the housing field & community. Enjoy light refreshments & participate in the raffle for prizes from local businesses. Funded partially by the Regional Arts & Culture Council, the event is hosted by Jordana Leeb, featured in CNews (Page 9 of the November 2019 issue at concordiapdx.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/cna-201911-web.pdf).

Details/RSVP: tinyurl.com/ConcordiaConversations

Monday, Jan. 13, 7pm

Paranormal Pub: Ghosts of McMenamins

Location: McMenamins Kennedy School

Presenter Rocky Smith, historian & paranormal investigator reports the legends of ghostly apparitions guests have encountered at McMenamins properties, especially Kennedy School, White Eagle & Edgefield. In fact, those properties are featured regularly on lists of Oregon’s haunted hotspots. The in-depth presentation not only offers some of the most chilling entries from the famous McMenamins ghost logs–it also explores the mystery & history surrounding the buildings. Minors welcome with parents or guardians. Doors open 6pm.

Details: mcmenamins.com/events/213278-paranormal-pub-ghosts-of-mcmenamins

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7pm

Race Talks: The Color of Fear–Walking Each Other Home

Location: McMenamins Kennedy School

This session ends the 4-part discussion of “The Color of Fear,” an insightful, groundbreaking film about the state of race relations in America. It gives an in-depth look into the state of race in America. In the era of Black Lives Matter, gay pride & chants of “send them back”–with the urgency for racial reconciliation heightened–the film’s commentary is just as poignant today as it was 25 years ago. Doors open 6pm.

Details: mcmenamins.com/events/213267-the-color-of-fear-part-ii-walking-each-other-home

Thursday, Jan. 16, 6-8pm

FREE CRAFT NIGHT

Location: Atlas Pizza, 710 N Killingsworth

collage & Atlas Pizza collaborate the third Thursday of each month to sponsor this event. Supplies & instructors provided, no registration necessary.

Details: collagepdx.com

Saturday, Jan. 25, 8:45am-1pm

Groundwater 101

Location: McKinstry Company, 16790 NE Mason

Join the Portland Water Bureau & the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for this workshop geared toward adults & adolescents as young as 17. You’ll learn groundwater basics including local geology & hydrology, the role groundwater plays in the local drinking water system & what you can do to protect this resource that lies beneath the cities of Portland, Gresham & Fairview. The workshop is presented with a mix of hands-on & classroom-style teaching, Light refreshments provided.

Details/registration: columbiaslough.org/events/event/71

Saturday Jan. 25, 10am-1pm

Stewardship Saturday: Columbia Park Nature Patch

Location: 7701 N Chautauqua

Help plant native trees & shrubs to create habitat for pollinators & birds at this north Portland park. Not only do they require less watering & chemicals to thrive & create healthy wildlife habitat for pollinators, native plants discourage invasive species, & they help manage stormwater naturally to improve the health of the rivers & streams. Instruction, gloves, tools, snacks, & warm drinks provided for this family-friendly event. Cosponsors are the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Friends of Columbia Park & Portland Parks & Recreation.

Details/registration: rachel.walsh@columbiaslough.org, 503.281.1132

Sunday, Jan. 26, 10am-5pm

Sacred Geometry & Mandala Art: Drawing the Universe

Location: Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd

The morning segment of this playshop focuses on sacred geometry & learning to draw 2 basic patterns. The afternoon explores the contemplative process of the mandala. Short, guided meditations align with the significance of 11/11 & will be offered throughout the day. The day is presented by the Liminal Space Society, no experience is necessary & supplies & beverages provided. Bring your own lunch. A similar gathering was highlighted in CNews (Page 9 of the November 2018 issue at concordiapdx.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cna-201811.1-web.pdf).

Details/fee: cerimonhouse.org/calendar/2018/mandala-geometry

Monday, Jan. 27, 7pm

History Pub: About the Making of “The General”

Location: McMenamins Kennedy School

Presenter Oregon Encyclopedia author & former state librarian of Oregon Jim Scheppke introduces Buster Keaton’s masterpiece silent movie that was filmed in 1926 in Cottage Grove, Oregon. He’ll describe the filmmaking process, including the famous train wreck scene that was most expensive scene in the history of silent film. Following a screening of the movie, Jim will answer questions. Doors open 6pm.

Details: mcmenamins.com/events/213230-the-making-of-the-general-buster-keatons-masterpiece

Community calendar items Admission to events is free unless otherwise noted. Priority is afforded to local events sponsored by–or which benefit–local nonprofit organizations. Submit information to CNewsEditor@ConcordiaPDX.org by the 10th of the month preceding the event.

Concordia Neighborhood Holiday Party

Posted on by Posted in CNA, Events, Family

HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD

Concordia Neighborhood Holiday Party

You Are Invited!

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Cerimon House, 5131 N.E. 23rd Ave.

Featured!

  • Vernon School Band
  • Faubion School Choir
  • Grupo Latitudes Band featuring South American and Andean music
  • Craft table and activities for kids

Step into our International Food Terrace and enjoy taste samples from around the world, featuring a variety of ethnic bites presented by some of your favorite local restaurants!

Nonalcoholic beverages and scrumptious dessert table!

Food drive and raffle to benefit Northeast Emergency Food Program

Suggested donations:

Men’s & women’s clothing • Soups, canned meat, rice, pasta, cereal and oats • Canned fruits and vegetables • Staples (salt, pepper, cooking oil, etc.) • Snacks and treats • Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, feminine hygiene, soap, shampoo, etc.) • Household supplies (laundry and dish detergent, cleaning supplies) • Pet food

Raffle tickets: $2 each or six for $10

Great Raffle prizes graciously donated by Concordia neighborhood businesses. All businesses will be announced from the stage!

2019 National Night Out Family Fun Day

Posted on by Posted in CNA, Events, Family

Friday, Aug. 2, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Fernhill Park

Music by THE LARKS pdx (6:15 – 8:15 p.m.)

Pack up your blanket, chairs and your picnic and come to the park!

There will be:

  • Face painting
  • Games
  • Balloon art
  • Henna tatoo artist
  • Portland Police Canine Unit
  • Firetruck
  • Free ice cream for kids
  • Craft table
  • and much more! 

Join us to celebrate our community and to get to know your neighbors.

Concordia Spring Clean Up – Saturday, June 1

Posted on by Posted in CNA, Events, Volunteer Opportunities

We are in great need of volunteers for the cleanup on June 1 to help unload vehicles, direct traffic, and work the electronics, block styrofoam, and #6 plastic recycling stations. We have two shifts to choose from: 7:45 – 10:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Please contact Katie Ugolini at 503-449-9690 or Ktugolini@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering for this event.

 

 

Bring your kitchen & garden tools to May 19 CNA Spring Clean Up for professional sharpening

Posted on by Posted in CNA, Events 1 Comment

Don’t use dull blades for your home spring clean up

Bring your kitchen and garden tools to the May 19 CNA Spring Clean Up for professional sharpening. Between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., 1Sharptool Edge Service will donate a percentage of the proceeds from sharpening:

• Knives
• Pruners
• Pocket knives
• Hoes
• Scissors
• Loppers
• Garden shears
• Chisels
• Machetes
• Axes
• Shovels
• Rotary mowers

Services are first come first served. Prices start at $6.25 for garden tools and $7.50 for kitchen knives. 1Sharptool Edge Service accepts cash, checks and credit cards.

For details, contact 1Sharptool Edge Service at 360.606.7062 or visit 1SharpTool.com.

CNA Spring Clean Up Saturday, May 19

Posted on by Posted in CNA, Events, Volunteer Opportunities

CNA SPRING CLEAN UP

Saturday, May 19

8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

PCC Workforce Training Center at NE 42nd & Killingsworth

Spring cleaning comes to Concordia, and CNA will dump, recycle and/or find new homes for your household items.

ACCEPTED MATERIALS

• Household waste
• Metal
• Styrofoam (no peanuts)
• Furniture
• Electronics
• Lamps
• Mattresses
• Clothes
• Bicycles
• Other household items

SUGGESTED DONATIONS:

Car: $10
Truck, van, SUV: $15
Large truck: $20
Oversized load: $30
Electronics: $5

PROHIBITED MATERIALS

• HAZARDOUS WASTE, including batteries and chemicals
• Construction, demolition, roofing & remodeling debris
• Kitchen garbage
• Residential yard debris
• Commercial landscaping materials
• Waste & recyclables collected curbside
• Light bulbs
• Refrigerators & freezers
• Large appliances/white goods
• Tires, rocks & concrete
• Paint & oil

METRO prohibits the disposal of construction, remodeling or demolition materials suspected of containing asbestos at all neighborhood clean ups. Examples of prohibited materials:
Flooring: vinyl tiles, vinyl sheet, mastic
Walls: plaster, decorative plaster
Siding: cement siding shingles “Transite”
Ceilings: acoustical tiles, “popcorn” and spray-on texture
Insulation: spray-applied, blown-in, vermiculite, pipe, HVAC and lagging
Electrical: wire insulation, panel partitions
Other: fire doors, fire brick, fire proofing

SPECIAL FEATURES IN 2018

“You Price It”Yard Sale: See something you like among the reusable household goods, say what it’s worth to you and it’s yours.
Professional tool & knife sharpening: Details here.

All proceeds support CNA’s mission to organize human and physical resources, build community and enrich livability here.

THANKS TO THE CNA SPRING CLEAN UP’S GENEROUS SPONSORS

Spring Egg Hunt – Saturday, March 31, 2018

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Events, Volunteer Opportunities
SPRING EGG HUNT
Saturday, March 31
Fernhill Park
(Playground along NE 37th Avenue)

The hunt begins at 10 am SHARP.

Don’t be late – it ends in a flash!

Volunteers needed to:
– stuff 6,000 plastic eggs with candy on Friday, March 30, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Meet at the American Legion at 2104 NE Alberta St.
– hide 6,000 candy-filled eggs on Saturday, March 31. Meet at Fernhill Park (Playground along NE 37th Avenue) at 8 a.m.

Sponsored by Concordia Neighborhood Association & American Legion Post 134

Contact Katie Ugolini at Social@ConcordiaPDX.org or 503.449.9690.

Publican trades apron for stage, temporarily

Posted on by Posted in Uncategorized

By Kelley Duron

CNews Special Writer

A handsome Irish doctor flees to Brazil to avoid a murder conviction for euthanizing his wife’s lover/brother who was suffering an agonizing brain tumor. The doctor then moves to the United States where he lives in New York, Los Angeles, and finally opens a successful pub in northeast Portland. Seven years later, the doctor returns to Dublin despite facing prison time.

Sound like a soap opera plot? Well, most of it is just that.

Tom “T.C” O’Leary spent seven seasons playing the charismatic but flawed Brendan Daly M.D. on the highly-rated prime time Irish soap “Fair City” Although complex, the plots of this series are more HBO than American daytime TV, Tom explained.

The doctor wasn’t all good guy. He was an alcoholic with a child from his own affair. His wife in the show had an affair with her brother, broke it off, then rekindled it before the brother asked Tom’s character to help him die.

“Assisted suicide is a huge, controversial topic in Ireland,” Tom pointed out. “Our show pushed boundaries, and it has been very progressive in the issues we’ve taken on.”

The draw to acting started long before he landed the role on “Fair City.” As the youngest of four kids living in the small port town of Killiney, just south of Dublin, he loved attention and began playacting by himself around the house.

“We had a lot of freedom in those days, lots of open spaces to play in,” Tom recalled. “But I wasn’t into team sports. I’d rather make up stories and act them out.”

In school, he was convinced to join a talent show in which he had to dress as a woman in a skit. “I realized that people were really enjoying the show and I was very comfortable being up in front of them.”

Later, after a successful part in the school musical, he recalled, a teacher kissed his cheek and told him he was wonderful in the role.

“She was a beautiful woman and that did it for me,” he recounted with a smile.

Although his mother convinced Tom to take accounting courses in college as a back up to acting, and he worked for an accounting firm for several years, the performance bug drew him back to the stage. His first play was in Prague.

“The country was anglicizing its language, so an Irish play made sense,” he explained. From there Tom returned to Ireland and landed a gig as what he called “a geeky mathematician” in the play “Proof,” adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning book written by David Auburn.

“It had a six-month run, which is almost unheard of,” Tom reported.

The producers of “Fair City” spotted him in “Proof,” and offered him the doctor’s role without an audition.

While working on the soap, he fell in love with his real-life wife, Siobhan, who was studying in Dublin. Siobhan moved to New York City after her year in Ireland, and they had a long-distance relationship until she returned to Tom’s homeland and they married in the dead of winter

“Why not? The weather there is hard to predict anyway. We might as well have it then,” Tom’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he remembered the day.

After giving “Fair City” producers a year’s notice that the couple was headed to the U.S., “They wrote a great storyline for my exit,” he said. “Dr. Daly was convicted of murder for the assisted suicide but, in Ireland, they allow you to go home before your sentence starts. My character disguised himself and fled to Brazil.”

The real-life couple spent several years in New York – Siobhan studied for her master’s in education while Tom did voice overs, acted in a few plays and tended bar. Los Angeles was next, but Siobhan worked days teaching special education while Tom worked nights bartending.

“We just never saw each other” he explained. “Plus, I always had a dream of opening a bar, so we decided to move to Portland, where my wife’s family lives.”

TC O’Leary’s opened in November 2016. Since then, Tom said, it has started to build a consistent crowd. “Last year on New Year’s, we had a crowd of maybe a couple dozen,” he said. “This year, we had about 90.”

Shortly after the bar opened, “Fair City” producers approached Tom to reprise his character.

“My return fit the storyline well,” Tom said. “My TV family had joined me in Brazil and, after seven years, we returned to Ireland where Dr. Daly remains in hiding. It was just a two-week part.”

He said the return was great fun and left open the option of continuing the role in the future if they want him.

In Portland, once the bar gets its legs under it, Tom said, he may look around at local playhouses to get back into theater. For now, he’s a happy publican.