Concordia Neighborhood Association | Portland, Oregon

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94-year old NE Portland Institution Closes its Doors

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News
Marbott’s Greenhouse & Nursery has a sign up announcing its closure. Photo by Dina Sage.
On Memorial Day in 1948, the Vanport flood destroyed the nation’s largest wartime housing development. Photo from Oregon History Project.

Marbott’s Greenhouse & Nursery (1808 NE Columbia Blvd.), which first opened in 1930, will close this spring due to third generation owner Larry Marbott’s complications with his recent eye surgery.

Marbott’s sells annuals and perennials, trees and shrubs, unique houseplants and home goods. 90% of the plants sold at Marbott’s are grown onsite in one of eight greenhouses.

Marbott’s was started by Larry’s grandparents, Ernest and Anna Marbott, who lived with their children on the property and ran the nursery. At the time, the area surrounding the nursery was filled with dairy farms, produce markets, and other agricultural businesses.

In its early days, Marbott’s faced significant environmental challenges. The year that the greenhouse opened, the Columbia River froze. In 1948, the Columbia River flooded Vanport, the then largest housing project in the U.S., located between Vancouver and Portland. Ernie Marbott (who was Ernest’s son and Larry’s father), remembered how close the water came to the nursery during the Vanport flood.

Ernie took over the nursery in 1954 and was one of the first growers in Portland to grow poinsettias, still a specialty of Marbott’s. Ernie also created a new gloxinia color and named it Marbott’s Pink. The gloxinia was listed in seed catalogs when it first came out.

Ernie died in 2022 but even towards the end of his life, he enjoyed sitting at the nursery’s outside counter and giving advice to customers.

Larry Marbott has announced that Marbott’s Greenhouse & Nursery will be closed at least for this April, May and June, and maybe longer. “The future is a little bit hazy, just like my eye is,” Larry Marbott told Willamette Week last month.

Community Connections – Residents Appreciate KISS Coffee at U of O Campus

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Heidi Hiasson | Assistant Director of University, Communications, University of Oregon

Maleka Blake, of Multnomah County Library, waits as KISS owner Sarah Pearson makes a caramel latte. Photos by Heidi Hiaasen.

When Lavelle Allen stepped up to the counter at the new KISS coffee shop on the University of Oregon campus, owner Sarah Pearson asked if she wanted her regular order – a latte and poppyseed muffin.

It’s common for KISS employees to get to know their regulars. But in this case, Allen had moved from the neighborhood the year before, and this was a new location for KISS on the University of Oregon Portland campus.

“This is exactly why we all love KISS. They are so friendly and part of the community,” Allen says. She and Mary Knocke found a table in front of two-story windows in the Library and Learning Center, where KISS on Campus is located. The sun was bright and warm, even though frost still covered the grass near the amphitheater outside.

Knocke, who has lived in the neighborhood since 2006, sipped her mocha. “I walk every day. That’s how we met,” she gestures at Allen. “We lived on the same street, and we would see each other out walking. I used to walk here with a book and get a coffee.”

The two talked about the worry within the neighborhood when the campus became empty and what might happen to it. “It was a sigh of relief when we heard about the University of Oregon,” says Allen. “The neighborhood likes having a university here. It makes it feel like a college town. Having KISS open here makes it just that much better.”

Pearson owns the business with her husband, Trae. The first location opened in June 2019.

“We were outgrowing our current space and wanted a second location close by. We wanted to take that step with our community,” Pearson says. “They’ve been fantastic with their support. U of O fits in with the community, too. Everyone is kind and friendly and it’s been a smooth transition.”

KISS owner Sarah Pearson mixes up batter for house-made pastries

KISS on Campus opened in January. It serves the seasonal coffees and housemade pastries that customers have come to know. It also serves bagels and lunch sandwiches, and is working on building out a grab-and-go section as well. In addition to neighbors, this location has become a favorite spot for U of O students, employees and those working on the renovations to the campus.

“It has good energy,” says Maleka Blake as she orders a decaf oatmilk latte with extra caramel. Blake works for Multnomah County Library, which has a temporary location on the other side of the building. “Also, make sure to try the seasonal jam on an everything bagel with cream cheese.”

KISS on Campus is located at 2800 NE Liberty St. in the Library and Learning Center on the University of Oregon Portland campus. Hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Heidi Hiaasen has been with the University of Oregon since 2008 in a variety of communications roles. She works at the new UO Portland campus and enjoys exploring the Concordia Neighborhood

News from the NET – Emergency Evacuations

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Micha Wolf | Contributing Writer

Flooded Columbia River. Photo by Micha Wolf.

Climate change and Pacific Northwest hazards are changing the environment for all of us in the Portland metro region. Over the past few years, we have experienced heat waves, floods and hazardous ice storms during the wintertime.

The Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) as well as the Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NETs) are continuously striving to educate and help neighbors navigate any possible disaster. Additionally, during annual City Wide Deployment Exercises (CDE), NETs brush up on their skills to search and rescue.

In order for you and your family to adequately prepare for possible emergencies, it is important to be aware of these potential local hazards:

  • Earthquakes
  • Landslides
  • Wildfires
  • Flu, pandemics or fallout from chemical disasters
  • Floods
  • Volcanic eruption

Discuss with your family where you plan to go should you have to evacuate your home. Take into consideration which routes you might take and plan alternatives in case freeways or local streets are impassable. If possible, involve your neighbors as much as you can so they know where you will be and how to reach you. This may also be achieved with an email list, provided the neighborhood still has power or cell service available. Most importantly, reach out to those neighbors who might need special assistance, such as a visually impaired person or someone in a wheelchair.

Here are the steps to take during an emergency evacuation.

  1. Listen to a battery powered radio.
  2. Locate emergency supplies, including extra batteries (radio/hearing aids/ etc.), medications and pet food.
  3. If time allows, unplug electrical appliances.

To best prepare to execute your plan, practice it on a regular basis. Especially with children involved, practicing will ensure that they are less frightened and know how to calmly evacuate.

Here are tips for preparation so you are ready.

  • Download the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app for a list of shelters and local alerts (available for both Android and iPhone).
  • Stock up on necessary medications and medical supplies and also have them available at your possible evacuation site.
  • Place emergency phone numbers at a prominent location in your home.
  • Identify emergency contacts and their location.
  • Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
  • Have an emergency kit handy.
  • Teach children how and when to call 911.
  • Take a First Aid/CPR class. Emergency Preparedness is the key to a good outcome should disaster strike.

Micha Wolf has retired from teaching primary school, loves being in nature and believes in building community through engagement.

Land Use and Transportation – Fernhill and Alberta Park Patiently Waiting for Skateparks

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Land Use & Transportation

By Richard Burton | LUTC Chair

Aerial view of Fernhill Park by Hooperfly drone. Photo submitted by Richard Burton.

In 2005, city ordinance 179462 was passed to encourage the future development of skateparks in the Portland area. Three years later, the City of Portland published a 58-page plan for constructing a citywide skatepark system (see the link below for the full document). The plan called for 19 variously sized skateparks to be built, including: 13 “skate spots” (skate areas 5,000–6,000 square feet), 5 district skateparks (10,000–12,000 square feet) and one regional skatepark. Fernhill Park was sited as one of the locations for a district skatepark and Alberta Park was sited as a location for a skate spot. Fast forward 16 years, and neither of these two parks has moved past the “sited” phase.

There is good news however; the city has started funding skateparks again. Portland Parks and Recreation recently invested $15 million in the plan for the regional skatepark (located near the Steel Bridge) and $5 million for the Creston Park skatepark and so it seems the city is, once again, interested in building skateparks. Links below show the plans for these two skateparks.

A new skatepark would be a place for community members, young and old, to gather together. Says Concordia resident Garrett Kelly, “a skatepark in Fernhill Park would make a lot of sense because it’s a big park with lots of other sports activities and facilities. A skatepark there would add a new element that young people would utilize.”

In the interest of getting our two neighborhood parks beyond the “sited” phase, I would like to propose the creation of a Land Use and Transportation (LUTC) sub-committee focused on making our neighborhood skateparks a reality. The Skatepark Committee, or whatever we officially decide to call it, will focus on education, outreach, strategies and engagement within our neighborhood and city so that we can get the skateparks we want.

For those interested in participating in this project, please plan on attending the April LUTC Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 17th from 7–8:30 pm, in the Kennedy School community room. This is a great opportunity for newer and younger community members who perhaps haven’t been involved before to have an impact. See you soon.

Visit these links for more information about skate parks in Portland.

Rich Burton is the Chair of the Land Use and Transportation committee and serves as Member East 2 for the Concordia Neighborhood Association board. He is interested in building community.

Concordia Artists Fired Up for Gathering of the Guilds

Posted on by Posted in Arts & Culture, Concordia News

By Kepper Petzing | Contributing Writer

When people harnessed fire, it was for warmth, light, food, and protection. Then, people began using fire to make things they needed, and to make them beautiful. This month we get to see some of the results. Everyone is invited to the 41st annual Ceramic Showcase by the Oregon Potters Association and Gathering of the Guilds being held at the Oregon Convention Center on Friday, April 19th – Sunday, April 21st.

This unique artisan exhibition is one of the largest art shows in the Northwest. More than 300 artists working in metals, glass, wood, beads, fiber, and clay will be displaying and selling their wares, doing demonstrations, providing activities and more. Each artist is required to be present, so attendees can visit with them and learn about each piece. Admission is free with easy public access via light rail, streetcar, and bus, plus plenty of parking (which is not free.)

Lyn Kennison in her studio. Photo by Kepper Petzing.

Three Concordia artists, who are participating this year, use fire to make their art. for many years for Head Start, helping children explore art. She still teaches part-time. In 2002, a stained-glass class captured Kennison’s interest and her interest turned to glass.

“I was hooked and never looked back.” By 2004, Kennison had her own kiln in her basement, and began showing her work at Gathering of the Guilds. She has worked with fused glass jewelry, fused glass items functional and nonfunctional, and mosaics. “I love putting colors together in different ways. The best part is when you let go and let the glass tell you what it wants to do.”

Kennison is a member of the Pacific Northwest Glass Guild where she can play with glass, learn, and develop relationships with other glass artists.

“I thought, ‘Do it now.’”

Sophie Bertrand in her studio. Photo by Kepper Petzing.

Sophie Bertrand has been creating pottery for the past 10 years. Five years ago, she and her husband built a small ceramics studio at their Concordia home. Bertrand is mostly self-taught, after taking a wheel class and falling in love. Two years ago, she quit her job to become a full-time potter. “I thought, ‘Don’t wait, do it now.”

Last year, Bertrand began selling her work at Saturday Market. This will be her first Ceramics Showcase. She shares, “pottery makes me happy when I make it. I hope it makes people happy when they use it. I want my coffee mugs to bring joy to the start of the day.” For people who say they don’t have room for another mug, Bertrand recommends a mug shelf displayed as art on your wall. Each day, you pick which mug to brighten your morning coffee.

“I love fire.”

Marsha Sandman at a show. Photo by Astrid Fustner.

Marsha Sandman found her passion for making jewelry as a student at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks… and that was it! She creates one-of-a-kind pieces in silver and gold using a torch and ancient techniques to fabricate her work.

After many years of metalsmithing and selling her work nationwide, she is enjoying the slow lane of retirement. Sandman is a member and past vice president of the Creative Metal Arts Guild which meets monthly. She is also a Concordia News contributor.

As a lifelong traveler, she has brought home many unusual stones to adorn her work. Sandman claims that she loves fire and it shows in her creativity.

The Showcase and Gathering are focused on the functional arts – art you can use and wear.

Three additional guilds that will be at the showcase are: Guild of Oregon Woodworkers, Portland Bead Society, and Portland Handweavers Guild. If you go, please stop by our Concordia artists’ booths to meet the artists and enjoy the artistry, skill, and joy they give to our community.

Kepper Petzing has lived in Concordia for 42 years. They are nonbinary. They love community and the public spaces where we can be together.

New Program Provides Free Swim Lessons to Area Children

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Schools

By Mark Ross, PP&R Public Information Officer

A student and his teacher exchange a high five at Portland Parks & Recreation swim lessons. Photo submitted by PP&R.

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), in collaboration with Portland Public Schools (PPS), recently launched the ‘Schools to Pools,’ program, an initiative that offers free swimming lessons to PPS second graders. PPS is providing transportation to and from the pools, and Portland Parks & Recreation is supplying lifeguards, swim instructors, and pool space.

Initially, over 300 students from six schools will participate, with plans to expand the program to nearly 3,000 students across the district and establish it as a permanent offering. “This partnership will save lives,” says Commissioner Dan Ryan, who oversees PP&R. “The Schools to Pools program is an exciting investment in Portland’s children, and in our city’s future.”

Funded by the 2020 Parks Local Option Levy, Schools to Pools was inspired by Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long, who championed a similar program while with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Under Director Long’s guidance, PP&R Sports and Aquatic Manager Nancy Roth worked closely with PPS Senior Director of Athletics Marshall Haskins and other district leadership to finalize this exciting partnership.

“Learning to swim is vital for young people, and we’re proud to make beginner lessons available through this innovative partnership,” says Director Long. “I’ve long had my eye on establishing this cooperative effort with PPS, and then the pandemic upended our plans – until now. I’m so pleased we’re able to move forward with Schools to Pools and these free swim lessons, made possible both by the Parks Levy, and the vision and energy of our Portland Public Schools leadership.”

Schools to Pools is offered as an elective at PPS elementary schools currently able to take part in the initial winter and spring sessions. The winter session is scheduled for January 30th – March 19th, and the spring session is April 2nd – May 21st. Lessons will be held during school hours, for 30 minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Matt Dishman Community Center Pool as well as two other Portland pools.

“Second grade is the perfect age. It is an ideal time for students to learn to swim, they are eager to learn, and have few inhibitions related to water,” says Senior Director Haskins. “Quite simply, swimming is a life skill, and it has the potential of saving kids’ lives and the lives of others.”

Follow the 8 P’s of Gardening this Spring

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Gardening

By Kepper Petzing | Contributing Writer

Spring is here! For gardeners, spring is often the busiest time of the year. Below is some general gardening advice. For specific advice, ask your local nursery or garden store. (See box below.)

Thicket is a boutique nursery on NE 23rd just south of Alberta. Photo by Frances Bender.

Patience

The freeze in January was hard on many plants. Frances Bender, owner of Thicket Nursery (4933 NE 23rd Ave.) encourages gardeners to be patient.

“Wait a month past when you would normally expect to see new growth before deciding whether the plants have died, or before doing major pruning.” she says. Some plants whose tops have died may resprout from the roots. Remove mushy and soft top growth to avoid getting secondary fungal growth.

Pruning

Dormant shrubs and trees should be pruned now before the sap begins to run. Valentine’s Day is the traditional date, but early March is usually OK. Don’t prune spring blooming bushes to avoid cutting off their flower buds.

For hardy perennials that need refreshing; like sword ferns and hellebores, remove last year’s growth when this year’s begins.

Planning

What worked last year? What needs to be changed?

Now is a good time to transplant and rearrange the garden. Plan for a succes sion of flowers and/or veggies.

One of the best controls for “bad bugs” are “good bugs” and birds who eat and compete with the bad guys. Don’t be too clean in the garden; leave space for debris where the good bugs live.

Cully Farms Store sells compost and fertilizer by the pound. Photo by Ted Snider.

Preparing

Soil preparation is key for plant health. Avoid digging soggy soil. Top dressing with 2-3 inches of compost and mulch. “Rich, rotting, goodness” starts the season right, says Bender.

Cully Farm Store (4209 NE Alberta St.) has a bulk compost bin. Bring a 5-gallon bucket (no wasted packaging) and fill it with compost for $3.00. They also sell bulk fertilizer by the pound and can make bicycle-friendly packages.

Planting

There are “cool weather” and “warm weather” annual flowers and vegetables. Now is the best time to plant the cool weather ones. Bender warns to be wary of stores that put warm weather starts out too early. April weather can surprise; be prepared to protect plants or wait until the soil is at least 55 degrees.

Bulbs that weren’t planted in fall can be bought as plants now.

Pollinators

Think natives first but not natives only. Cultivars bred for fancy flowers may stymie pollinators. Some plants bred to bloom longer are sterile, offering nothing for our little friends. Include bees, please, including our local Mason bees. Cully Farm Store works with Bridgetown Bees, also located at 4209 NE Alberta St., a local honey bee supplier.

August is the hardest time for polli- nators who need nectar throughout the season. Ted Snider, (“Farmer Ted”), owner of Cully Farm Store, suggests planting zinnias which bloom long and late. Plant clumps of the same plant. Polli- nators need a meal; not just a nibble, and remember, hummingbirds and butter- flies are pollinators, too.

Purchasing

To decide what to buy, research how long different seeds last. First plan to use up last year’s seeds. Free is a wonderful price. Look for free neighborhood seed and plant exchanges. (See box for one on March 16th.)

Shop local. In addition to supporting our local economy, plants and seeds raised in the local environment perform better.

Pulling

Stay on top of emerging weeds. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Thinning seedlings is important for proper spacing.

Gardening Help in Concordia

Cully Farm Store and Bridgetown Bees
4209 NE Alberta St.
503-729-3508

Thicket
4933 NE 23rd Ave.
503-961-0562

Kepper Petzing has lived in Concordia for 40 years where, with their partner Lowen, they raised two children. They are nonbinary. They love gardening and are grateful for Concordia News.

Falling Trees and What to Do About Them

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Trees

By Mallory Pratt | Concordia Tree Team

Damaged big leaf oak at Ainsworth Linear Arboretum, photo by Anna Brizbois.

After every storm or weather event, the infosphere we live in is filled with tales of disaster. Stories end in triumph, tragedy or near misses. Their collective effect on us is often one of fear or anxiety over what ifs. Tales of fallen trees after ice storms are no different. During the recent ice storm, our neighbors watched in awe as their 100-foot tall pine tree swayed from its base. We heard the creak of a Doug fir’s roots heaving in the lot behind us.

Why Do Trees Fall?

Trees fall because of heart rot or root rot. Heart rot is a disease caused by fungi that enter the tree through wounds in the bark and decay the wood at the center of the trunk and its branches. The diseased center softens, making trees structurally weaker and prone to breakage and falling.

Root rot is a condition in which the soil around a tree does not contain enough oxygen, due to excessive standing water around the roots.

Because the climate in Portland is so wet, both heart rot and root rot are hard to prevent. But there are visible warning signs that they are occurring. One indi- cation that heart rot has begun is the presence of mushrooms around the base of the tree. Yellowing and dying leaves can indicate root rot.

How Can We Prevent Trees from Falling?

Unharmed sweetgum, photo by Autumn Voirol.

It is tempting to cut down trees to prevent them from falling, but there are ways to protect our trees from damage and disease without eliminating them. One way is to provide good structural pruning based on species guidelines. It’s also important to follow a tree’s summer watering needs. For example, oaks don’t mind long, dry spells but dogwoods prefer steady water during drought. In addition, mulching and keeping heavy objects like cars and building materials away from the root zone prevents soil compaction and rot.

It is a good idea to conduct an annual inspection of trees around your home. Look for trunk damage, roots that circle above the ground, mushrooms and yellowing leaves. Larger, older trees can be evaluated by Urban Forestry staff.

Urban trees are a necessity because they protect us from heat, filter the water and air, and shelter wildlife. We need to work to protect both public and private spaces that house trees and we should continue to plant trees now so they are resources in the future. Most of all, we need to remember that healthy trees are our allies for a healthy future, and they need our help now and again to thrive.

The Concordia Tree Team volunteers prune street trees, maintain an arboretum at the former Meek school and help neighbors find resources for tree management. We invite you to join the Tree Team, water your trees (even the big ones) during summer heat waves, talk to your neighbors about trees and support tree-friendly policies. For more tree care tips and to get involved, check out our blog posts at ainsworthlineararboretum.org.

Mallory is a science educator that has lived in Concordia since 1995. She joined the Concordia Tree Team in 2019 and is an active volunteer with Friends of Trees.

Land Use and Transportation – New Plaza Has Potential for Fun and Community Engagement

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Land Use & Transportation

By Kepper Petzing | Contributing Writer

The plaza at NE Killingsworth and 30th is a neighborhood asset. Photo by Gordon Riggs.

What is a Public Street Plaza?

In response to Covid, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) allowed businesses to close off certain streets to create spaces for outdoor dining. As of late, PBOT has been transitioning some of these spaces into public street plazas where people can sit and read, friends and neighbors can gather, and communities can host events. Plazas help build community, increase pedestrian traffic near local shops, and make space for public events.

Concordia has its very own public street plaza at NE 30th and Killingsworth. Learn more about other plazas in town here.

Name the Plaza

Our plaza needs a name. You can enter the “Name Our Plaza” contest.

Design the Street Painting

After naming the plaza, keep your eyes open for our upcoming “Design the Street Painting” contest, as a mural will be painted on the street sometime between late May and mid-June. Help design the mural and the overall look of the plaza and suggest events we can hold there. The contest begins on March 15th.

Join Activities in the Plaza

The Concordia Neighborhood Association is working to plan two events each month at the plaza, beginning in March. Check the CNA website at ConcordiaPDX. org and find us on Facebook and Instagram to find out what is happening at the plaza. We hope to see you there.

Host Your Own Event at the Plaza

Think the Plaza is the perfect place for your knitting circle, book exchange, dance party, or doggy fashion show? PBOT makes it easy for you to put on free public events here in your neighborhood. Find out more information and fill out the application here.

Get Involved

The Concordia Neighborhood Association has a “Friends of the Plaza” committee focused on bringing community input to this space. If you have suggestions for plaza design or activities, or if you want to join our committee, contact Megan Gobble, CNA Board Member at SW2@ConcordiaPDX.org.

Kepper Petzing has lived in Concordia for 42 years. They are nonbinary. They love community and the public spaces where we can be together.

Community Connections – Meet The Old Crows

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Kathy Crabtree | Contributing Writer

The neighbors gather at Donohe’s home and call themselves The Old Crows. Photo by Kathy Crabtree.

At a house and raised patio on NE Ainsworth Boulevard, the side yard attracts a flock of crows. On further investigation, they seem to be enjoying pecking at food set out near a water basin where a few of the birds are drinking and splashing. Kathy Donohoe, standing on the porch, explains that she feeds them every morning. She is aware that a lot of people dislike crows. “Mostly because of their loud screeching, especially when [they’re] together as a flock in trees near the homes of sleeping residents,” she explains.

After her dog died, Donohoe found herself caring for an injured crow. “He had a hurt leg and hung out around the patio, waiting for scraps; I called him Hopper and started feeding him, and his friends joined him. It wasn’t long before I got into a routine of feeding them all every morning. But he hung around after the other crows went about their business. My mailman at the time, Ron, would watch for him, too. He said the other crows seemed to know I was taking care of the injured one.”

She and a few of her neighbors would gather on her patio to visit while enjoying the crows in the yard. “We started calling the patio The Crow’s Nest, and eventually, we acquired a collection of crow memorabilia, so we called our group The Old Crows.” When questioned about her continued fondness, Donohoe admitted to having a special place in her heart for the birds.

“After Ron found Hopper lifeless on the boulevard, the other crows still expected to be fed, but they left me a gift.” One morning, Donohoe found a rusted heart-shaped ornament on the Crow’s Nest table. The ornament now sits on the porch in a place of honor. “It’s a gift from the crows not only in gratitude for the food, but in honor of Hopper and my care for him.”

A few of The Old Crows group met over the holidays: Rosemary, Toni, and Theresa were invited by Donohoe to share their Valentine’s stories. When the discussion turned to love, Rosemary and Kathy shared their affinity for “bad boys,” back in the day. Toni talked about the importance of family and a mother’s celebration making Valentine’s Day special. Theresa shared that her definition of love is being a team, having each other’s back and being there for each other.

The Old Crows agreed, “It’s about finding a best friend.”

Kathy is a 65-yearold Nancy Drew wannabe, retired lawyer, and judge.