Concordia Neighborhood Association | Portland, Oregon

Author Archives: Marsha Sandman

Bike Bus Program Provides Safe Commute for Vernon Students

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Schools
Sam Balto leading the Bike Bus. Photo by Sean Fogarty.

What could be better than joining a group of friends, parents, and family for a morning bike ride? Even better if your destination is Vernon K-8 School (2044 NE Killingsworth St.) Vernon’s weekly bike bus commute to and from school is a way for students to bike together safely to school. Riders are safe in large groups with a typical number of 15 to 25 people. Vernon is one of more than a dozen Portland schools that supports the Bike Bus movement.

“BikeBusPDX promotes biking as a healthy and eco-friendly commuting option for school children. A lifelong habit of biking encourages kids to embrace cycling as a fun and social activity,” says Sam Balto, a P.E. teacher at Alameda Elementary who started the Portland Bike Bus in 2022. A trip to Barcelona, Spain, where he learned about European Bike Busses, inspired him to start the program. Balto also started the nonprofit Bike Bus World to promote and support Bike Buses everywhere. You can read more about him at bikebus.world.

On January 12th, by Balto’s invitation via social media, musical artist Justin Timberlake surprised the Alameda Bike Bus and joined them for the ride. According to The Oregonian, Timberlake rode about half a mile with about 200 students and parents while Timberlake’s entourage boomed hits like “Mirrors” from speakers on their bikes along the route. The pop star posed briefly for photos with children before leaving the school. What a great surprise.

I Interviewed parent and Concordian Oscar Murden about his experience as a Bike Bus participant as he rides with his two sons, Milo, 9 and Maxwell, 7.

“It’s fantastic. It’s a real mood booster. Our family and friends look forward to it. And it’s easier to get the kids out the door and they get to school on time,” says Murden. He says it creates community, and he’s makes new friends. They even get together during the summer for block parties. Satellite groups have popped up and the movement is growing.

There are lots of happy kiddos and sometimes music playing or holiday decorations. There are also bikes that can be borrowed from Balto for up to a month to see if your student is a good fit for the Bike Bus.

The Vernon bike bus commute takes place every Friday and starts at NE Cesar Chavez and NE Going Streets. Show up anywhere along the route, and join up as the Bike Bus comes by. Bring a bike lock and park at the covered area at the SW corner of Vernon K-8. You don’t have to sign up in advance. Just join in and have fun.

After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@ gmail.com.

A Powerful Cultural Experience

Posted on by Posted in Arts & Culture, Concordia News

On September 7th, the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) based in NE Portland hosted its 12th annual Neerchokikoo powwow. Neerchokikoo is a revitalized Native American village; an ancient gathering site near the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in what is today the Cully neighborhood. Since 2010 (with breaks during COVID) the powwow has welcomed thousands of community members from over 380 tribes to gather and celebrate Native culture through dance, music, art and food. 

Set up in the center’s gymnasium, a vendor market showcased more than 30 artisans offering jewelry, clothing, and traditional medicines. Delicious fry bread and Indian tacos were also available for purchase. When I first entered the covered area I was greeted with rhythmic traditional drumming accompanied by Native singers. Taking their turns on the dance floor, community members of all ages dressed in beautiful regalia danced in a swirl of color throughout the day.

The Neerchokikoo Powwow honors partners, volunteers and donors whose contributions to NAYA’s work have enhanced the lives of youth, families and elders. This year, NAYA is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the theme of the event  was “reclaiming our past, cultivating our future.”  The honoring ceremony was not only a tribute to the tribal councils but also a recognition of the enduring connection between the land and the Native American communities that have long called this site home.

“As an ancient Native encampment and gathering site, NAYA’s campus at Neerchokikoo has historic and cultural significance. For many centuries, Native Americans from tribes throughout the area came to this land to gather, trade, and build community,” says Ann Takamoto, Naya’s Director of Development.

The Neerchokikoo Powwow brought together hundreds from the Native American community. As a guest, I was overwhelmed by the power of celebration. It’s hard to translate into words the beauty and love I felt in the room. The care put into each beautiful regalia, some with hard earned eagle feathers, and dresses covered in tingly metal bells were inspiring and I was mesmerized by the power of the drums.

Around dinner time someone came over to me and offered me food. I enjoyed a delicious plate of salmon, wild rice, greens, and berries, all examples of Native first food. Then the dancing continued into the evening. 

The whole day was a powerful tribute to pride, love and honoring cultural history. It was an experience I’ll never forget. 

 

 

Concordia-themed Art Exhibition at Allery 

Posted on by Posted in Arts & Culture, Concordia News

By Marsha Sandman | Contributing Writer

On a quiet alley off of NE Killingsworth St. and behind 5516 NE 27th Ave., you will find a world of wonder. As a painter, writer, poet and educator, Anne Jennings Paris has graced the outside wall behind curator Jennifer Jones’s home with her writing and painting in an art exhibition titled “Memories of the Kingdom”. The exhibition incorporates poetry and acrylic paintings in four future “retellings” of the Concordia neighborhood’s recent past.  

 The Allery, a play on the words “gallery” and “alley,” is the brainchild of artist Jones, one of the owners of the residence. Combining her love of public art and engaging her neighbors and friends, she decided to start The Allery. Exhibiting large scale framed paintings, it has become a popular summer locale in the Concordia neighborhood. 

Paris is also a Concordia resident and makes art in her backyard studio. She is the third artist to grace the outside wall behind Jones’ home and is a two-time recipient of an Academy of American Poets Prize. Paris has created works for the Portland Japanese Garden, Cedarwood Waldorf School, and the University of Portland. Originally from Florida, she is a graduate of Wesleyan University and received her MFA in Creative Writing from San Jose State University.  

 “Traveling around the world is inspirational. I treat the world around me as an art school. Places tell stories,” says Paris. Paris’ current project will be joining the team at Tyler FuQua Creations to build a large metal sculpture at Burning Man, a weeklong large-scale festival where extreme creatives gather in a remote desert in Nevada. This October, she will be offering a poetry workshop at The Omega Institute in upstate New York, as well as teaching how to use AI ethically in writing and art.  

 To enjoy the artwork and writing of Anne Jennings Paris visit the Allery and to learn more about her go to her Instagram page @PDXPOET.

 “Alleys are special places,” Jones says. “They are public right-of-ways, but they feel private. I wanted to create a place where magic can happen through surprise encounters with art.” Most of the exhibit will be open through November and two 4’x 8’ large-scale panels are up all year. 

After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@ gmail.com.

Former Alberta Main Street President Accused of ‘Sophisticated’ Scam

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

Portland’s Alberta Street neighborhood is known for its art community and festive street fairs. Alberta Main Street is the nonprofit organization that has put on many of those events over the past decade. However, recently all but two members of the Alberta Main Street Board resigned reportedly due to their frustration with the organization.

Former Alberta Main Street president Devon Horace, who served as president from July 2021 to January 2023, solicited $100,000 in donations from Nike and $5,000 from the Portland Trail Blazers on behalf of the Alberta Street business district. Horace has been accused by the Multnomah County Circuit Court of withdrawing the funds from the district’s account, diverting the money to his own account and falsifying records to show to the organization’s treasurer. Horace has pleaded not guilty to all accusations, which included four counts of first-degree aggravated theft, five counts of first-degree theft and seven counts of falsifying business records.

When Horace left the position, former board member James Armstrong agreed to step in as the Interim Board President and made a review of the financial records a priority. Armstrong realized there was a major monetary loss that led right to Horace.

Prosecutors say that the full extent of the misconduct may not yet be fully uncovered.

“Given the sophistication and breadth of the scams, combined with how quickly the defendant spent the proceeds in this case, the state is concerned that [Horace] could be further victimizing other community members and committing fraud,” says the DA’s office.

Devon Horace moved to Portland in 2015 from New York and was featured as a “40 Under 40” of “the Portland’s area’s brightest rising stars“ in the Portland Business Journal in 2023. He has worked for Nike, the Portland Trailblazers and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Leadership and Management from Concordia University. Horace has been permitted to reside in Seattle until his next court appearance, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12th. Armstrong says they are cooperating with investigators. When contacted by the Concordia News media team, Horace declined to respond.

To learn more about this story, join Concordia Neighborhood Association at our next General Meeting on Wednesday, June 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Kennedy School community room.

After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@ gmail.com.

Portland’s First Multicultural Esthetics Institute Launches Inaugural Program

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News
Lead Educator Amantha Hood poses with a mannequin head at new beauty school. Photo submitted by Amantha Hood.

Ever wanted to help others feel beautiful? With a beauty course at a new multicultural esthetics school, you can. Champions Beauty Institute, located at 424 NE Killingsworth, is Portland’s first multiculturally owned, influenced and led esthetics program. It offers training on beauty services for all skin types and its first cohort of students began the program in February.

Jamal and Christina Lane spent seven years learning barbering and launched Champions Barbering Institute earlier this year. The curriculum prepares students to have their own businesses and provides mentorship before and after obtaining certification.

The program is designed so students can keep their obligations to jobs and family; classes run two evenings and Saturdays for 28 weeks. The cost of the program is $15,000 with $4,000 scholarships available. The curriculum includes treatments such as facials, waxing, the use of facial devices, chemical peels, hair removal, makeup, lash tinting, brow tinting, lift and extensions and also provides certification in eyelash extension, lamination, sugaring, and dermaplaning, a treatment to treat deep acne scars.

Concordian Amantha Hood of Lash Lab PDX is the Lead Educator at Champion. Hood holds a B.A. in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Linfield College. After graduating from college, she obtained her esthetic certificate and license in 2018 and has been working in the industry since then.

A woman of color, Hood realized there was a lack of training in the industry on multicultural differences and a lack of treatments serving people of color.

“Champion is filling an equity gap in esthetics curriculum standards. By molding and graduating students educated in all skin types, we increase the number of estheticians that can confidently service all of Portland’s population. It starts with this program, but my hope is to eventually influence the standards for curriculum requirements statewide, and nationally. It should be a requirement that students know how to consult, service and educate clients in all skin types in the field of esthetics,” says Hood.

Of the Champion program, Hood says, “Our students learn how to confidently service melanin-rich skin, atypical to most curriculums. As Oregon’s first multiculturally driven esthetics program, we are setting a new standard in what it means to be a licensed esthetician.”

After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.

Historian’s Stand to Save Kennedy School

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, History
Darby in her home with her 2019 book Thunder Go North, about Sir Francis Drake’s famous voyage to the Oregon coast in 1579. Photo by Marsha Sandman.

Concordian Melissa Darby might be considered a time traveler. As an anthropologist, archaeologist, historian and author, she has gone back in time and brought history to the present.

What better place for her to live than in the 1800’s home that was once inhabited by the Kennedy family (the namesake for McMenamins Kennedy School.) Agnes Kennedy White moved on to a nursing home in her eighties and the Darby family took possession of the home. It was 1979. Except for an updated kitchen, bathroom and a few repairs, not much has changed since then.

White shared newspaper clippings and photographs of the Kennedy School, which had opened in 1915 and eventually closed in 1975 due to decline and low attendance.

“You know, someone really ought to do something about that school, it’s lovely,” White told Darby. Before Kennedy School was abandoned in the 1990’s, White told Darby that it was her turn to save the building.

And so, she did. But not without a struggle.

“So I called up the school district and said, ‘Hey, I think I’m going to nominate it to the National Register of Historic Places, and it’ll help bring in developers.’ They were not interested, they would not return my calls. I asked the school board, ‘Hey, can we talk about this? Can we get this on the agenda?’ I would send letters, but I got nothing back! I sent flowers to the superintendent with a little note saying, ‘If you receive this, would you let me know?’ I got nothing! Finally, I had nominated the building, and it got some attention from the Oregonian and from the school board. Since [the school district] was going to be represented at a public meeting, they eventually had to do something.”

According to Darby, “a group of neighbors, alumni, the mayor’s office, community members and others got together to save Kennedy School from the wrecking ball.”

Her efforts paid off — the property was preserved and McMenamins took stewardship in 1997.

If not for the efforts of Darby and her cohorts, we would not have this neighborhood treasure today nor would we be able to appreciate its remarkable architecture, history, and community events. Darby truly helped to preserve Portland history. One of the guest rooms is even named after her.

There’s also a painting hung at Kennedy School by artist Myrna Yoder depicting Darby and other McMenamins pioneers.

Since the opening of McMenamins Kennedy School, Darby has worked on archaeology and history projects throughout Oregon and Washington. For 6 years, she investigated Sir Francis Drake and the Golden Hind’s 1579 landing near Depoe Bay and in 2019, she published a book about it. The book is called Thunder Go North and is available at Amazon and on Audible.

She is still looking into the past and bringing it to the present.

After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.

Local Chiropractor Opens New Skate Park

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News
New skatepark on NE 30th and Killingsworth is open now. Photos by Leigh Shelton

The first skateboards in the U.S. were started in the late 1940s using wooden boxes, or boards, with roller skate wheels attached to the bottom. Crate scooters preceded skateboards, having a wooden crate attached to the front of the board which was formed with rudimentary handlebars. Soon the boxes turned into planks, similar to the skateboard decks of today.

And now our neighborhood has a new skatepark located near NE Killingsworth and 30th St and adjacent to Jet Black Coffee (5308 NE 30th Ave). Curated and designed lovingly by property owner Thomas Grace and his family, the park design follows the waves and curves influenced by water and their love of nature.

Grace’s friends at Collective Concrete helped him design and create a half pipe four years ago on his 50’ x 100’ vacant lot. After selling his house in 2022, he had the funds to add a wave inspired sculpture to the space. The park and the sculpture will be lovingly dedicated to Grace’s deceased wife, Rachel. She unfortunately passed in 2022 during a recreational water incident. After the dedication, the park will be called the “Rachel Grace Memorial Skate Plaza”. Her memory will live on.

New skatepark on NE 30th and Killingsworth is open now. Photos by Leigh Shelton

Grace remembers that, “There was nothing that Rachel embarked on that she did not master. She cherished her family above all else and made everyone around her feel they were a part of hers. Rachel brought joy and light to everyone who knew her. She was the embodiment of unconditional love.”

Though the park is on private property, Grace allows the public to respectfully use the park. He lives next door to the park and above the coffee shop which he and Rachel once owned. Grace is a local chiropractor and owner of Natural Pain Solutions, adjacent to the building at 3007 NE Emerson St.

The park can be enjoyed by people aged 5 to 65, including Grace’s four sons and stepsons who are 15 to 21 years old. Enjoy your skating but please; no later than 10PM. Have fun!

After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.

Deli is one of few in the country to go vegan

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses
Manny Gallardo tends the counter and offers customers bagels and a wide variety of traditional Jewish deli delicacies at Ben & Esther’s Vegan Jewish Deli. Yes, everything is vegan. Photo by Marsha Sandman

From motorcycles sales to six punk barbershops to operating a bioplastic company to the early years of food carts to bagels, Justin King has the heart of an entrepreneur.

Inspired by his East Coast Jewish Ukrainian-Polish grandparents – Ben and Esther – Justin grew up eating bagels. He went from New York to Miami and finally settled here 23 years ago.

With his first deli in 2019 in the Roseway neighborhood on Sandy Boulevard, his latest business is Ben and Esther’s Vegan Jewish Deli at 1800 N.E. Alberta St in the former Random Order Pie Bar location.

That’s right, it’s vegan, one of a very small handful in the entire country. The Ben & Esther’s team started making lox with salt-roasted carrots, swapped the whitefish for brined-and-smoked hearts of palm and began baking babka and rugelach with vegan butter.

The shift ended up being a hit, especially among Portland’s vegans. He also operates a Ben & Esther’s in San Diego, and he plans to open another one in Seattle.

“I’ve been plant-based for a long time. When I opened Ben & Esther’s, I was very business-minded, and I thought that opening a traditional Jewish deli would be good for business.

“After a year, I couldn’t reconcile that with my principles,” said the vegan.

To stay true to his beliefs, Justin transformed it to vegan, complete with his redefined versions of lox, corned beef, brisket, white fish and knishes, to name a few.

Along with bagels and a variety of schmears, Ben & Esther’s also offers Jewish pastries that include babka, challah and hamentashen.

The two local Ben & Esther’s are open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week and can be reached at 503.265.8470.

True to his core philosophies, Justin also operates a storefront on Hawthorne Boulevard that feeds anyone who walks in the door. That location will also soon house a vegan bakery.

A father of three and a Hare Krishna, Justin practices yoga and stays true to his principles.

“You don’t have to sacrifice the integrity of your food,” he said. “You can have traditional anything in a less harmful way. Principle over profit.”

After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.

CNews writer experiences great satisfaction

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Volunteer Opportunities
No spendy, complicated camera equipment was necessary to capture the personality of paper artist Calley Doderos in 2018. Marsha Sandman used her smart phone.

No matter where someone is from or where they’re going, within them there is a story, and Concordia News writers enjoy finding and sharing those stories. When we scratch the surface, surprising and evocative events unfold.

I’ve had the privilege of meeting many Concordians as a volunteer CNews writer. Some stories poured out vividly, but others needed a little coaxing.

I remember my first story about a very sweet-but-shy lady. I didn’t know where to go with the interview, and I questioned my writing skills. After a little gentle persuasion, her story unfolded with passion, surprises, love, and history.

Are you ready to share your skills? CNews welcomes both novice and experienced writers. You may be challenged. But you’ll be thoroughly satisfied. The basics are typically “who, what, when, where and why.”

The CNews editor can help you find your groove. Subjects vary widely from personal and public history, neighborhood information, local change, challenges, businesses, services and a wide variety of others.

Printed stories are typically limited to 400 words but, if you have more to say, that can be extended to CNews’ online presence.

As a writer, I personally prefer human interest stories. Memorable stories include a blind woodworker, chefs who bring their flavors from foreign homelands, teachers who encourage self-esteem through gardening, brave advocates, artists, cultural events, and many personal and evocative stories.

When I interviewed paper artist Calley Doderos, her creations unfolded into magical, glittery little houses. Each one was as unique and as wonderful as the artist.

I’m occasionally recognized for my stories when I’m out and about, and it gives me great satisfaction when people offer me story leads. Others come from the most surprising or mundane experiences.

Story leads come from everywhere, among them:

  • A conversation at a neighborhood block party reveals a fascinating personal history.
  • A substantial change within the neighborhood leads to an interesting story.
  • A new or old business has a fascinating tale.
  • Even your neighbor could surprise you.

The CNA Media Team meets monthly – currently via teleconference – to identify topics and solicit writers to volunteer to write about them. We always need writers and appreciate fresh ideas. Interviews can be in person, telephone or videoconference. It depends on your comfort level.

If you’re interested in taking the journey with a wonderful group of writers, please contact me at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.

After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.