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