Concordia Neighborhood Association | Portland, Oregon

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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.

Changes and Additions to the Concordia Business Landscape

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Nedra Rezinas | Contributing Writer

Teote closed late last summer. However, it is opening a location called Teote the Tavern at 5513 NE 30th Avenue. Teote isn’t the only thing different; driving and walking around our neighborhood, I’ve noticed a lot of changes to storefronts and businesses. Here’s a summary of the recent changes I’ve seen.

Alberta Street

Alberta Alley (3003 NE Alberta St.) has a new addition; Kaya, a cocktail bar that features 80s & 90s R&B music and elevated bar food. Kaya was inspired by the YouTube series “Kicks and Cocktails” which pairs cocktail drink recipes with specific sneakers.

Assembly Brewing will open its second location this winter on 2934 NE Alberta Street. Unlike the SE Foster location which only serves ages 21+, their Alberta location will serve all ages and offer five by-the-slice pizza options, whole pies, and more.

Vivienne, currently located on NE Sandy Boulevard, will be moving to 2724 NE Alberta Street and opening in the next couple of months. Vivienne is an independent, woman-owned cookbook store that carries kitchenware and linens. It also offers a daily wine bar, cookbook classes, and private parties.

 

Community Cycle Center (1700 NE Alberta St.) recently remodeled its storefront. Now it offers a new membership-based DIY workspace with thirteen stands, a smaller retail storefront with new and used items, and a bike repair classroom.

Bolt moved from NE 42nd to its new location on 2904 NE Alberta Street on November 9th. A fabric store with a focus on natural fabrics and sewing supplies, Bolt has been in Concordia for over 18 years.

Killingsworth Street

Autumn Coffee Cafe (3286 NE Killingsworth) is a new coffee spot providing fresh roasted, handcrafted coffee by the cup or beans you can take home and brew yourself. The 1600 block on Killingsworth is devoted to folks who enjoy plant-based and vegan products. Upper Moon Tattoo (5470 NE 16th Ave.), is a safe inclusive tattoo shop dedicated to using vegan and cruelty-free products. Orange & Blossom opened next door and is a modern, farm-focused, plantbased patisserie using seasonal, local and organic ingredients. Feral (1614 NE Killingsworth St.) opened in November with a focus on craft cocktails, natural wine, local beer and vegan cuisine.

NE 42nd Ave.

Queer Plants Cafe just opened in the former Miss Zumstein storefront on 5027 NE 42nd Avenue. Queer Plants Cafe is one part unique plant sale and one part cozy cafe, serving Coava Coffee, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and bagels.

Misplaced Print Shop recently moved from Slabtown to 4831 NE 42nd Avenue. Misplaced offers custom screen printing for musicians, bars, restaurants, and nonprofits. It also has a retail selection of original printed-on accessories such as t-shirts, hats, and bags.

All these changes are exciting and invigorating to watch but it has been challenging for many businesses to keep their doors open since the beginning of the Covid outbreak. Let’s celebrate these new additions to our community and support these local businesses.

Nedra Rezinas lives near U of O in Concordia. She does marketing strategy for small businesses, is a mom, drinks tea, is a birder, and is passionate to build community.

Concordia’s Christmas House

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Kepper Petzig | Contributing Writer

Visit Concordia’s Christmas house on NE 32nd Ave. between NE Jarrett and Ainsworth. Photo by Jack Wallis.

It started with a string of lights. Jack and Georgene Wallis had no idea of the Christmas obsession that would descend upon them. They were high school sweethearts from Puyallup, Washington. After they got married, Jack joined the army and Georgene followed him to Germany. As Jack was finishing his 15-year military service in 1990, Georgene and their new baby Jordann moved into their Concordia house off of Ainsworth. There were no decorations that first Christmas.

Jack joined Georgene and Jordann the next year. That Christmas they did a simple outline of their house in lights. Over the years they added second daughter Justene–and a whole lot of Christmas decorations. They hunt through Goodwill and look for sales. A new piece or two each year for 32 years really adds up.

Today their Christmas decorations draw onlookers from across the city. They get lots of outdoor visitors, including at times a tour bus and a limousine. Sometimes they get thank you cards and once, a little girl brought them cookies. One family hosts their annual family Christmas picture in front of the display.

“I think you can see it from the air when the planes come to land at PDX,” jokes Jack. Neighbors call it Peacock Lane (Portland’s festive “Christmas street” between SE Stark and Belmont) in one house.

The Wallis’ have a strict rule – Christmas decorations are turned on December 1st and have their last night December 31st. Jack admits that the motivation to begin set-up gets harder each year. His bones are aging. But, once he starts, the joy kicks in. Jack is the master artist, rearranging things each year to keep it fresh. Jordann and Justene critique the final display. Last year his kids banned Jack from the highly sloped roof. It hurts his heart because “that is where Santa and Rudolph truly belong.”

The inside is not neglected. They always have a big Christmas tree, visible through the window, and every room is decorated. Over the years they added an audiovisual display. To be respectful of the surrounding houses, Jack keeps the sound low and turns everything off at 10 pm.

It’s not just an artistic puzzle to fit everything in, but a practical one as well. To keep the breakers from tripping, each display is on a timer because the system can’t handle all of them at once. Georgene handles the invisible parts, such as changing the light bulbs. It takes about 24 hours, spread over several days, to set it up and 8 hours or less to take it down and store it away for next year. How big is the electric bill? “We don’t look.”

Like proud parents, Jack and Georgene decline picking a favorite decoration. All are loved. Jack says they just want to spread the joy and help to create memories. Stop by and see Concordia’s Christmas house at 5840 NE 32nd Avenue (not Place) this holiday season.

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

Alberta Main Street Active Again and Seeking Volunteers

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Volunteer Opportunities

By Elise Scolnick | AMS Volunteer

Alberta Main Street volunteers clean up NE Alberta Street for the SOLV clean-up
project. Photo by Elise Scolnick.

What is Alberta Main Street?

Alberta Main Street (AMS) is a nonprofit aimed at “advancing efforts to develop Alberta Street as a vibrant, creative, equitable and sustainable commercial district serving residents, businesses and visitors of our community.” AMS has supported local businesses and community builders for the past 13 plus years through business help, community events, clean-ups, design and art projects. As a volunteer-led nonprofit, AMS has always relied on its residents, artists, business owners/employees, and other partners to successfully achieve its goals. Following a period of inactivity, AMS is becoming active again and recruiting volunteers. A social mixer was held at Baerlic Brewing on October 18th to reach out and reintroduce AMS to new and seasoned businesses.

History of AMS

Alberta Main Street became a non-profit in 2010. Prosper Portland, an organization that partners with non-profits to build a more equitable economy, chose four Main Street Programs, including AMS. The founding Executive Director of AMS was Sara Wittenberg, who built the organization into a volunteer-led community and business support network. Wittenberg passed away in 2018, deeply affecting the community and the board.

In 2019, primarily in honor of Wittenberg’s, volunteers’ and the board’s work, AMS received a National Main Street Award, a prestigious recognition of all the work done over previous years to improve and revitalize the Alberta Street business district and community.

Dormancy During Covid

During the height of the Covid pandemic, Alberta Main Street, like many other organizations, encountered challenges that it is still recovering from. In 2020, AMS pivoted to focus on helping businesses navigate federal relief funds and hosted community events online, including a virtual Alberta Street Fair.

By 2021, the Board had to step back from organizing events and focused instead on developing new goals in line with diversity, equity and inclusion. Funding had dried up, and in May of 2021, AMS experienced severe budget cuts and several staff had to be let go. Since 2021, AMS has been working on:

  • Support for businesses
  • Maintenance of Black Heritage Markers, signs along Alberta Street depicting the stories of 10 African Americans from NE Portland
  • Virtual and live events such as BIPOC markets, cleanups
  • The installation of new trash cans through collaboration with the city

Current Status

Fast forward to 2023 and Alberta Main Street is at a critical juncture. Board members have stepped down or their terms are ending and there is an urgent need for new direction.

We are reaching out now to provide an important update and to ask for your critical input. As a community nonprofit, AMS needs dedicated folks to step up and help navigate the road ahead. Special skills we’re looking for include legal support, financ, web design, volunteer coordination, grant writing, fundraising, nonprofit administration, organizational development, marketing and event planning fields.

We ask board members for a commitment of 5-10 hours per month. Usually the board meets once a month.

If you have any of the skills above or you would like to volunteer for specific events such as street cleanups, holidays, sidewalk sales or the annual street fair, contact James Armstrong, Board President at: james@albertamainst.org. Check out the AMS Facebook page at Facebook.com/albertamainstreet

Elise has lived in NE Portland neighborhood since 1979 and was one of several o r i g i n a l organizers of the Alberta Street Fair. From 2003- 20 0 6, she owned Tribe of the Winds Gallery at NE 22nd and Alberta. She served on the Alberta Streetscape Committee, on the Board of Art on Alberta and was a member of the Alberta Street Business Association, the precursor to Alberta Main Street. Aside from a break between 2021 and 2023, Elise has been on the Board of Alberta Main Street since 2016 and is currently serving as Interim Board Vice President.