By Astrid Furstner | CNA Chair
This time of year reminds me of the Shel Silverstein poem “Here comes summer.” The summer, indeed, has gone by quickly. It’s September and we’re all adjusting to a new normal. Many of us are handling working from home, adjusted hours and life schedules and – for those of us with children – learning to home-school our children.
Some have adjusted to this new routine, while others are still struggling. Throughout all of this, we should remember to care for our mental well-being as well, of course, as our physical.
Take time to breathe, enjoy a cup of coffee/tea, give yourself a moment, check on your neighbor, text a friend, hug your children or enroll in a virtual exercise program – anything to keep going. We tried a family 30-minute virtual yoga class and it was awesome!
When will this end? We honestly don’t know.
What I do know, is that we are trying to do our best. The Concordia Neighborhood Association continues to meet remotely by video conference.
In August, we held our first learning webinar – thanks to the Street Trust for providing the opportunity to learn and, of course, our speaker, attorney Chris Thomas. He provided us with an hour of learning regarding rules of the road for bicyclists. We had 18 in attendance, and you’ll find notes on that session at ConcordiaPDX.org/BikeLaws.
We hope to have more learning opportunities via online webinars. If you have topics, suggestions – or are interested in sharing your knowledge about something you are passionate about or are experienced in – let me know. Email me at Chair@ConcordiaPDX.org.
Last month the Office of Community & Civic Life posted its findings about how people react to Neighborhood Watch signs at MailChi.mp/bb89424745c3/the-power-of-signs-10619982.
In turn, that page links to PortlandOregon.gov/civic/62587 for information on the Neighbors Together program. It’s a new virtual community conversation that provides resources, tips and creative ideas on how to support one another reaching out to neighbors – especially those isolated and without digital access. Group training in Neighbors Together is offered via that site.
I would be interested to know what you think of it. Again, please email me.
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.