Concordia Neighborhood Association | Portland, Oregon

Author Archives: Gordon Riggs

Annual Concordia garage sale set for August 13

Posted on by Posted in CNA, Events

Community member’s passing brings changes to the event

Many of you may already know that Concordia resident Donna Mae Carrier, age 58, passed away in December last year. She died after a short, fierce battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Donna was a wonderful mother to her three daughters, a caregiver to friends and family in need and a tireless volunteer in her community, including with Concordia Neighborhood Association where, for many years, she coordinated our neighborhood’s annual yard sale event.

Because of the huge void left where Donna’s energy once played a key role, the annual garage sale will be just a sliver of its former self this year. While CNA will advertise the event, scheduled for August 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., CNA will not be providing maps, signs, or post-sale charity donations.

So if you’re looking to clear out your overloaded garage, basement or closets burdened by items that still have a useful and potentially saleable life, CNA will do the advertising for the event. In that advertising we’ll encourage people to drive around Concordia for the best bargains to be found in town that day. Also consider posting your specific information and address on Nextdoor.com and craigslist to attract more customers.

For 2017, anyone interested in bringing the “full-meal-deal” event back to Concordia to carry on the annual garage sale with the vigor that respects Donna’s legacy, please contact CNA’s Social Committee at social@concordiapdx.org. Program aims to provide health & wellness for student, community success

Fernhill Summer Concerts line up is set; funds still needed

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Events

Greetings fellow Concordians! Your friendly neighborhood Fernhill Summer Concert Committee here. It’s a particularly beautiful springtime in Concordia. Time to get your ‘seeds and starts’ in the ground. The same is true for your concert committee. Time for us to dust off our Rolodex, and get the old ‘Hat Passing’ hat out of mothballs! This year we need to raise just about $20,000 to fund this year’s Fernhill Concert Series & we are still $9000 short! So, if you have the desire and/or the means, PLEASE DONATE!

We have a fantastic NW All-Star lineup lined up for you this year, and here’s who we have tapped:

  • We get off to a rollicking start on FRI, JULY 8TH with THE TONY STARLIGHT SHOW!
  • FRI, JULY 15TH with THE QUICK & EASY BOYS.
  • This year’s tent pole show on FRI, JULY 22ND will feature the ever fabulous LaRHONDA STEELE!
  • Join us South of the border on FRI, JULY 29TH with the world renowned MARIACHI VIVA MEXICO!
  • And as always, finish out the season with us on TUES, AUGUST 2ND when Your Concordia Neighborhood Association presents WANDERLUST ORKESTRA for National Night Out 2016!

This is a really wonderful concert season that we are extremely excited about. However, we need the support of ALL CONCORDIANS (and any other F.O.C.) to make it happen! If you are a family or individual and would like to contribute to this Spectacular Summer Series at Fernhill Park please click here to donate!

  • Choose SFFA Summer Concerts in the Parkfrom the Pull Down Menu under “I would like to give to:”
  • Type in Fernhill Park when asked “Is there a specific park you’d prefer to support”
  • Donate Now & Get an Immediate Tax Receipt

If paying by check, please make checks payable to Portland Parks & Recreation/Fernhill Concerts and mail to: Lynn Shisler / Neighborhood Concerts in Portland Parks 6437 SE Division St.
Portland, OR 97206

Any contribution (e.g. $5 or $10) is greatly appreciated!!

WE STILL NEED BUSINESS SPONSORS!

If you are a business or institution and want to be a Fernhill Concert Series Sponsor by contributing $300 or more, you will receive these awesome benefits of sponsorship:

  • Opportunity to have promotional table at all 5 concerts to display, give or sell items.
  • A chance to give to your neighborhood.
  • A tax deductible contribution staying “close to home.”
  • Your business name recognized.

If you own or manage a business, please let us know how you would like to participate as a sponsor by contacting Lynn Shisler; Coordinator, Neighborhood Concerts in Portland Parks at (503)317-2062 or via email.

Please help support the power of live music to bring communities together and thank you!

Annual “Dining Out For Life” event April 28th funds local HIV/AIDS programs

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Events, Local Businesses

It’s easy –step out to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner or enjoy a cocktail hour and you’ll help people in need! The 8th annual Dining Out for Life event takes place on April 28 this year. Dining at a participating restaurant on that date will result in a donation of between 20 to 30 percent of your dinner tab directly to the Partnership Project and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s HIV Day Center in the Concordia Neighborhood. These two organizations work closely together to provide vital programs and services to thousands of individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

EMO’s HIV Day Center, located on NE 30th & Ainsworth, celebrated its 26th anniversary this year. It is the oldest multi-service drop in center for low income individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in the United States. The Center serves approximately 300 people yearly, providing them with two hot meals a day, information and referral services, computer and internet access, phones, shower and laundry facilities and recovery support as well as volunteer professionals who provide services such as massage therapy, acupuncture and haircuts. The Daily Bread Express program delivers weekly meals and supplemental groceries to more than 60 homebound individuals.

Partnership Project is entering its 20th year of providing critical services to HIV positive individuals in the Portland Metro area. Last year 900 people living with HIV/AIDS were served through its Medical and Nursing Case Management services. Partnership Project helps individuals get into medical care, maintain insurance, take their medications and connect to essential supportive services. The organization also provides risk reduction counseling.

For more information visit www.emoregon.org/HIV-day_center and www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/partnership-project.

On April 28th, walk on over to Concordia Neighborhood’s McMenamins Kennedy School Courtyard Restaurant or Red Sauce Pizza, two participating restaurants that are donating 20 percent of their dinner proceeds to this cause. Or click here to find other participating restaurants in Portland.

Two breweries of Concordia

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

If the Concordia neighborhood were a city-state it would go a long way to being self-sustaining.  You can get fresh made bread and pastries from Miss Zumsteins, grass-fed meat butchered at Old Salt, and ice cream made on premises at Roses.   And that’s just on NE 42nd Avenue.

Concordia has two breweries, McMenamins Kennedy School in the east and Great Notion Brewing on the west side of the neighborhood.  McMenamins is part of a bigger operation offering a theater, lodging, bars and restaurants.  Great Notion sticks to what it does best.

The McMenamins group has embellished Portland and beyond by buying and refurbishing semi-historic properties and repurposing them into dining and entertainment venues.  The McMenamins brewery at the Kennedy School opened as part of the rejuvenation of the 1915 neighborhood school in 1997.

The brewery is in what used to be the little girls’ room of the old school, and features artwork depicting the history of beer making as well as the antics of schoolgirls.  The brewery operation was upgraded in 2011 with the addition of glycol-jacketed fermentation tanks.  The brewers produce typical McMenamins standard and seasonal beers, along with rotating selections such as King’s Landing IPA, Oatmeal Porter and Concordia Pale Ale.  Kennedy School is located on NE 33rd, a block north of Killingsworth.

The recently opened Great Notion Brewing has a claim to the tough independent settlers of northwest Oregon.  The name comes from the second novel by Oregon writer Ken Kesey, the author of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

The brewery is in the former location of Mash Tun, around the corner from Pine State Biscuits on NE Alberta and NE 22nd Ave. Great Notion took over the space on the New Year’s day this year, It’s a are kid-friendly establishment – an opening celebration Great Notion held in February was like a birthday party – the place was full of grade schoolers and their parents.  They even had a balloon man.

In early March the new management rolled out the newest Great Notion offerings.  They range from Double Stack, a breakfast stout “aged on a ridiculous amount of Vermont maple syrup and locally roasted coffee beans,” to El Chapo, described as “dark and dangerous.” This Mexican-inspired Stout is aged on pasilla & anejo peppers, cinnamon, chocolate and vanilla beans.

In addition to its variety of beers and sours, Great Notion’s imaginative kitchen turns out starters, salads and sandwiches for every appetite, including vegan and gluten free options.

A February story in the Willamette Weekly ranked 73 Portland IPAs.  Two of the top five spots – Ripe and Juice Jr. –went to Great Notion.

Steve Elder is a member of the CNA Board and Media Team

Future Families of Vernon Mixer March 6

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Events

The Vernon IB World School PTA is hosting the Future Families of Vernon Mixer on Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at McMenamins Kennedy School Community Room. McMenamins Kennedy School is located at 5732 NE 33rd Ave., Portland, OR 97211. Children are welcome.

The Future Families of Vernon Mixer offers current and prospective Vernon families a casual opportunity to learn more about Vernon and the community that supports our neighborhood school.

Neighborhood families can enjoy complimentary snacks and talk to prospective and current Vernon families about:

  • Preparing their child for kindergarten.
  • Determining whether Vernon is the right school for their family.
  • Getting involved and meeting other Vernon families.

Families are encouraged to come to the mixer to learn more about Vernon’s:

  • Global International Baccalaureate (IB) program and how IB students often outperform students from other programs.
  • Weekly special classes including art, music, PE, library, technology, Mandarin and Spanish.
  • On-site before and after-care programs offered by the YMCA and SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods).
  • Two vibrant, active school gardens and a Garden Studies teacher.

“The Future Families of Vernon Mixer is the perfect place to meet current Vernon families and learn about all the awesome things going on at the school. We’re an engaged group of parents, teachers, and community members working hard to make sure our kids have a great place to learn. Join us at the Mixer on March 6th to learn more about our great school and community,” said Lindsay Corliss, Vernon parent and PTA member.

Learn more about Vernon IB World School at the Future Families of Vernon Mixer on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at McMenamins Kennedy School Community Room.

For more information, please contact Lindsay Corliss at (503) 750-6670, or lindsaycorliss@gmail.com.

Summer Concerts in Fernhill Park Needs Y-O-U

Posted on by Posted in Arts & Culture, Concordia News, Events

A Call to Business Owners, Families, and Individuals!

There’s no better way to spend a warm and breezy summer evening than gathering with friends and neighbors in Fernhill Park for music, dancing and family fun! For the last eleven summers, the Fernhill Concert Series has been a smashing success- offering the finest musical talents that Portland has to offer free of charge! This year it all happens on four Friday nights starting July 8th through July 29th and ends with a big shebang on Tuesday August 2nd for our Concordia Neighborhood National Night Out! The CNA Fernhill Concert Committee has begun the long, hard slog of fundraising for the Summer Concert Series, but we need your help to raise enough money to fund all five concerts! So, if you have the means, PLEASE DONATE! We are looking for local businesses and individuals to donate anything they can to help make the concerts happen! It doesn’t matter if you are a business owner, a family, or an individual, WE NEED YOU to help raise the money to produce another memorable concert season in Fernhill Park.

If you would like to help the CNA Fernhill Concert Committee fundraise for this year’s fabulous season, please contact Katie Ugolini at social@concordiapdx.org or 503-449-9690. HELP SUPPPORT THE POWER OF LIVE MUSIC TO BRING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER!

Furthermore, if you are a business, institution, or individual and want to be a Fernhill Concert Series Sponsor by contributing $300 or more, you will receive these awesome benefits of sponsorship:
​•​Opportunity to have promotional table at all 5 concerts to display, give or sell items.

​•​A chance to give to your neighborhood

​•​A tax deductible contribution staying “close to home”

​•​Your Business Name Recognized:

Here are the options:

Please join us at the concert sponsorship level that is comfortable for you!

Champion Sponsor: $3,000
Presenting sponsor status for one night of a concert series
Opportunity to emcee and welcome audience to the concert
Logo or name on the concert banner, select Summer Free for All movie screens, season brochure and neighborhood flyer
Listed as presenting sponsor in the season brochure and the neighborhood flyer
Listed on the PP&R Summer Free for All website
Recognized from the stage at all concerts
Thanked in Concordia News and on the CNA Website and recognition in the  SFFA final report
Listed in the newspaper guide distributed in seven languages
Invitation to sponsor night

Major Sponsor: $1,250 and up
Logo or name on concert banner, one Summer Free for Allmovie screen, season brochure and  neighborhood flyer
Listed on the PP&R Summer Free for All website
Recognized from the stage at all concerts
Thanked in Concordia News and on CNA Website
Name listed in the newspaper guide distributed in seven languages

Contributing Sponsor: $600 and up
Name in bold on the concert banner
Name in bold in the season brochure and on neighborhood flyer
Listed on the PP&R Summer Free for All website
Thanked in Concordia News and on the CNA Website

Good Neighbor Sponsor: $300 and up
Name listed on the neighborhood flyer
Listed on the PP&R Summer Free for All website
Thanked in the Concordia News and on the CNA Website

Any sponsor may have a promotional table at the concerts they are supporting.

Sponsorship commitments are needed by April 1 but payment is not due until June 1, 2016 to be included in promotional material.  If you are a business, please let us know how you would like to participate as a sponsor by contacting Lynn Shisler, Concert Production Manager at lynn.shisler@portlandoregon.gov.  If paying by check, make checks payable to Portland Parks & Recreation/Fernhill Concerts and mail to Portland Parks & Recreation,  ATTN: Lynn Shisler, Concerts: 6437 SE Division St.,  Portland, OR 97206. CREDIT CARDS ALSO ACCEPTED.

Free Heart-Healthy Classes in Concordia

Posted on by Posted in Events, Health and Wellness

everyday_cooking_03

Concordia’s New Seasons Market is partnering with National College of Natural Medicine in Portland for a free heart-healthy class and a tour of the Concordia store with a New Seasons Market nutritionist.

The class, titled Heart Health and Wellness: Know Your Numbers! will be held  Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 7p.m. to 8:30 p.m.. The presenter is Dr. Cesilie Cocks, a naturopathic doctor from the NCNM Clinic. Information will be provided to help attendees understand why cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and other cardiovascular markers are important to understand and track. Participants will learn how to better interpret their lab values, and also about supplements and nutritional strategies that might be beneficial for cardiovascular wellness.

On Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 7p.m. to 8 p.m., a New Seasons nutritionist will lead a tour of the store, with an emphasis on heart healthy foods.

Both classes are free, but registration is encouraged. Visit www.newseasonsmarket.com to sign up or for more information.

CNA General Membership Meeting May 6th

Posted on by Posted in Archive

CNA General Membership Meeting
Tuesday, May 6th, 2014
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
McMenamin’s Kennedy School Community Room

It’s the first Tuesday of an odd-numbered month and that means it’s time for a CNA General Membership Meeting. Important topics abound. Come one, come all.

Last Thursday on Alberta is Just Around the Corner!
Come hear about the City of Portland’s plans to support Last Thursday this year! Share your perspectives & concerns and help be part of developing creative solutions.

And for the truly tantalizing part of the evening, come cast your Vote on the proposed revisions to the CNA Bylaws! We have had several general meetings to discuss the proposed changes to our bylaws, and the proposed revisions were posted in the February Concordia News and have been on our website since that time. The Board has received excellent feedback from the neighborhood over the past several months and these suggestions have been incorporated into the latest draft which can be viewed HERE (hard copy can be requested from Katie Ugolini at 503-449-9690). Board and neighbors seem pleased with the current draft, but we want to hear from as many neighborhood members as possible and need a quorum of the general membership to approve the bylaws at our May 6th General Meeting.

We hope to see you all there for a lively discussion on Last Thursday and to vote on the blueprint for running the CNA!

The formal Draft Agenda is as follows:

7:00 – 7:05pm Establish a quorum, approve agenda, review and reconfirm the meeting rules (listed below)
7:05 – 7:10pm Introduction to CNA
7:10 – 7:30pm Public Announcements

  1. Whitaker Property Proposal (Clarence Larkins, Sr., Straight Path Inc.)
  2. Aging at Home (Anne Foley, NE Village PDX)
  3. Portland Food Project – GREEN BAG project (Chris Lopez)
7:30 – 8:00pm Bylaw Revision Discussion and Adoption
8:00 – 9:00pm Last Thursday Street Fair Update and Discussion

Annual CNA Neighborhood CLEAN-UP – May 17

Posted on by Posted in Archive

ANNUAL CNA CLEAN-UP
Saturday, May 17th from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
(Tool Sharpening available to 3:00 PM)
PCC Workforce Training Center on NE 42nd Ave & Killingsworth!

Tired of seeing all the clutter & junk in your closet, basement & garage? Drop it all off at the PCC Workforce Training Center on May 17th for CNA’s BIGGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR! Spring Cleaning has come to Concordia and the CNA will dump, recycle and find a new home for your household items! Your trash may just be your neighbor’s treasure!  WE WILL TAKE: Household Waste, Metal, Furniture, Electronics, Lamps, Styrofoam, Light Bulbs, Batteries, Mattresses, Clothes, Bicycles, Non-curbside Plastics and other Household Stuff.

WE WON’T TAKE: Food Waste, Yard Debris, Tires, Rocks, Concrete, Paint, Oil, and other Hazardous Waste!

SPECIAL FEATURES in 2014

  • “You Price It” Yard Sale for reusable household goods! You see something you like, tell us what it’s worth to you, and it’s yours!
  • Professional Tool Sharpening (8 AM – 3 PM): Bring in your Knives and Garden Tools and have them professionally sharpened by 1 SharpTool Edge Service. 25% of tool-sharpening profits go to the CNA (see below for details).
  • Collecting household items for Community Warehouse, a nonprofit organization that provides essential household furnishings to low-income people. Their high-priority items, in order of importance, are as follows: 1) Pots and Pans; 2) Silverware 3) Dishes/Bowls/Drinking Glasses (not mugs); 4) Blankets; 5) Toasters; and 6) Alarm Clocks. Items for Community Warehouse must be clean & in useable condition, & free of stains or tears.       

SUGGESTED DONATION FOR CLEAN-UP VEHICLE LOADS:

$10/car                        $15/truck, van, & SUV                       $20/large truck                       $30/oversized load

Extra $5 Donation for Electronics & Batteries

ALL PROCEEDS HELP YOUR CNA!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help organize event, & unload vehicles and direct traffic the day of the event. If interested, please email:
Katie Ugolini at ktugolini@gmail.com or call 503-449-9690!

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS:

1Sharptool    Edge Service

bps-logo_horizontal-rgb-1
TotalReclaimICON_NoShadow       Cloudburst-Logo-Jpeg-e1354319540736 CW Logo       Metro_standard_blue copy   NECN_logo_color    MM