Now that the COVID-19 restrictions have mostly been lifted and we’ve endured a once-in-millennia heat wave, the CNA board voted to take the month of August off. In practice, this just means we won’t meet in August. I’m hoping the rest of our summer is less eventful and crossing my fingers that fire season isn’t as bad as recent years.
The great news is that the McMenamins Kennedy School Community Room will re-open Aug. 1. On Sept. 1, the board will meet in person there, barring any changes to state or city regulations. Out of respect for neighbors and regular board meeting attendees, we’ll adhere to the following rules:
Those who’ve been vaccinated may attend meetings without masks but must offer proof of vaccination.
Those who’ve not been vaccinated must wear masks at all times during the meetings and must socially distance.
We’ll continue to offer video/phone dial-in options so attendees can join remotely.
To earn our time off in August, we had a very productive meeting in July. We discussed the recent sale of Concordia University to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). The fate of the property is still unknown, as it may be in legal limbo for some time. However, now that there is a new owner, the CNA board will lobby LCEF with the neighborhood’s desires as expressed in our recent poll results.
We heard from the Concordia Tree Team’s Jim Gersbach and others who are asking for our assistance to help preserve the International Grove of trees that were planted 10 years ago at the intersection of 42nd and Lombard.
The grove is in danger of being damaged or removed during planned reconstruction of the Lombard overpass. The CNA board will lobby Portland Bureau of Transportation and Oregon Department of Transportation representatives to preserve the grove from harm during construction.
We also made progress on the staffing front. I’m excited to announce that Javier Puga-Phillips was appointed by the CNA board to the position for At Large 4, recently vacated by Sonia Fornoni. In addition, Javier will serve as CNA Social Committee chair and manage McMenamins Kennedy School Community Room. Go Javier!
In addition, Micah McNelly has volunteered for the CNA IT position. Thank you Micah! We are very happy to have you aboard.
Finally, I want to announce that we are hiring for the paid position of recording secretary. Please see the ad below for this position and reach out to me directly to apply.
Hope you all enjoy the rest of the summer!
CNA Seeks Recording SecretaryThe Concordia Neighborhood Association is hiring a recording secretary to record and transcribe minutes of board, general and land use meetings held at McMenamins Kennedy School or virtually.
The contract position pays $35/hour for meetings and time spent preparing and publishing minutes online. Hours are about 5-7 per month.
- Directors meetings: usually 7 p.m. 1st Wednesday each month
- General meetings: quarterly, 7 p.m. 1st Wednesday of the month
- Land use meetings: 7 p.m. 3rd Wednesday each month
The position requires good writing, transcription and document preparation skills. Availability and dependability are a must! Residence in Concordia is not mandatory.
Interested? Contact the Chair@ConcordiaPDX.org with a resume, references and writing sample.
Native Portlander Peter Keller has lived in Concordia since 1997. He runs a small marketing agency with partner Max, out of their home studio. He loves exploring outdoors with and without his dogs. He is the current CNA Chair.