Concordia Neighborhood Association | Portland, Oregon

Category Archives: Concordia News

Protect our 30th & Killingsworth commercial district: Bighouse Development has city’s attention

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

By Ben Earle, Secretary, CNA LUTC
Updated September 22, 2016

Land Use, Transportation & Livability Update

Things are sure sizzling on the land use front, with the hottest activity being a ramp up of community advocacy for improving the Bighouse building design and for deciding which Residential Infill Project (RIP) proposal the LUTC will recommend for CNA to support.

Bighouse Development
We are encouraged by the letters from the mayor and commissioners Saltzman and Novick (see below) supporting the CNA’s professionally-crafted design improvement suggestions for the four-story “mixed use” apartment building going up at the northeast corner of 30th Avenue and Killingsworth.

We remain hopeful that at least some, if not all, of the ground floor units currently designated residential only can perhaps be optimized by converting them for use by either retail or residential tenants, as the current commercial storefront zoning guidelines clearly intend – and our city leaders agree.

Although the construction clock is ticking, it is not too late to consider any changes that may be possible — be sure to check back for project updates as they become available.

Residential Infill Project
Although the RIP process has completed its formal public review and comment phase, there is still an opportunity to provide input on the three different proposals from the Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC), on which LUTC chair Garlynn Woodsong served. The LUTC will recommend at the Sept. 13 board meeting that CNA send a letter supporting a modified version of the SAC’s Housing Diversity Perspective proposal to Portland Planning Commission as they agree on a preferred proposal for city council’s approval before year’s end.

To refresh your memory, the RIP’s purpose is to establish new code, before the full 2035 Comprehensive Plan is completed in 2017-18. The intent is to reduce house size and increase the range of housing types to address community concerns about the scale of new homes and the current housing supply challenges.

Our recommendations will be distributed via the LUTC Community email list and the CNA website so interested people can comment at the board meeting. For more info, see PortlandOregon.gov/bps/article/580581. Email questions to LandUse@ConcordiaPDX.org.

LUTC membership
Jay Fesler was approved to fill the open committee position created when Ken Forcier moved to Rainier, Washington. Jay is a project manager for Ankrom Moisan Architects, served on the Bighouse Redesign Team and is looking forward to helping with the launch of the Concordia Design Standards initiative this fall.

Concordia residents are always welcome at CNA LUTC Meetings, 7 p.m. every third Wednesday in the Community Room at McMenamins Kennedy School. For more information, visit the LUTC section of the CNA website, send your questions to LandUse@ConcordiaPDX.org and/or email LUTC_Secretary@ConcordiaPDX.org to be added to the LUTC notification list.

Cultural empathy is to walk a mile in another’s shoes

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

An old proverb says you can ‘t really understand another person ‘s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Concordia University associate professor of social work Julie Dodge, Ph.D., studies the application of this proverb to the modern world in the field of cultural empathy.

“Every day in the news we hear another story of violence that outrages us. It’s easy to pick a side,” she said. “It is much harder to actually listen to the stories of people who may face unique challenges in our society. Too often, we rush to blame.”

In her anticipated iBook, titled “‘But I Would ‘t Do That!’ Teaching Cultural Empathy,” Dodge suggests we often fail in our work with people of different backgrounds because we lack cultural empathy. As a society, especially within our health and human service professions, we still struggle to understand why another person behaves differently than we would.

Cultural empathy is defined as the ability to consider the thoughts or perspectives and feelings of another person given their cultural background – values, experiences, beliefs – and to communicate this understanding effectively.

Brain research shows we are all capable of expressing empathy; however, we have to choose to activate those empathy pathways in our brains. So how can we do this?

“One way is to stop, listen, reflect and ask for clarification – especially if you hear something with which you disagree,” Dodge said. “Listening to another person ‘s story, instead of arguing another perspective helps build understanding of why a person thinks and feels the way they do. And that results in a better understanding of differences.”

Larn more about cultural empathy.

Learn more about Concordia University’s College of Health and Human Services.

Contributed by Concordia University College of Health & Human Services.

Cupping is the ancient twist to modern massage

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Health and Wellness

By Penny Hill

The news and Twitter­verse are abuzz today about the cupping bruises – they are actually called kisses and are not bruises – on various Olympic athletes. If you missed it, and are new to cupping, it is the therapeutic application of a cup to the skin in which a vacuum is created. This vacuum creates a localized suction of the tissues up into the cup and stimulates a healing response.

All of the news coverage I saw focused on Chinese fire cups, which are used by acupuncturists and are stationary. But there is a different kind of cupping. In Massage cupping, the cup is plastic or even silicone, and the vacuum is achieved by means of a pump attached to a valve.

The value and use of cupping has been known since very ancient times. Massage therapists are getting in on the action, me included. Incorporating this ancient technique into massage cupping is sort of the Ginger Rogers of massage techniques. It does everything regular massage does, just backwards.

In a usual session of massage, all the pressure is directed inward but, with cupping the force is outward. This lifting separates tissue layers for more mobility. The cups can be used to break up other muscular adhesions and scar tissue, collect and drain lymph and increase blood flow. The process is very soothing to the nervous system and induces a deep calm and relaxation.

In general, cupping feels very like massage does. Some areas feel lovely, some not so much. The vacuum cups allow for regulation of the suction if an area of discomfort is found. The cups also stimulate the flow of stagnant energy.

The addition of cupping to your massage sessions can be transformative.

Penny Hill, LMT and certified EFT coach, can be reached by visiting concordiamassagepros.com. 

Boutique fitness studio opens in Concordia

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Susan Trabucco, CNews Managing Editor

Chris Pike - Sensible Fitness
Chris Pike, a fitness instructor with extensive experience, opened Sensible Fitness recently in the Fernhill Park area. Photo by Susan Trabucco

Seeking an injury-free fitness regime sans crowded classes? Look no further than Sensible Fitness, a new, boutique fitness enterprise tucked into a charmingly-repurposed garage in Concordia.

In the studio, watermelon-washed walls and abundant skylights provide a cheerful, light-filled ambiance. Brightly-colored floor mats and hand weights of various poundage are scattered about – inviting their use. Toby, the owner’s dog, watches from a corner, his tail wagging gently.

Proprietor Chris Pike is no stranger to the business of exercise. Using a science-based approach, he ran his fitness program under a different name for six years in Davis, California. A medical condition exacerbated by too much sunshine led him to relocate to Portland this year. Because he’s committed to sustainability, he chose the Concordia neighborhood.

“I don’t own a car, and I bike or walk everywhere, so this neighborhood works out perfectly for me,” Chris said.

His Sensible Fitness program uses a blend of strength training, stretching and movement to provide class participants – there are six maximum per class – a full range of exercise. Chris’ program incorporates elements from yoga and Pilates as well as ballet and African dance.

Former Davis client, Ellen Dean, is a die-hard Chris fan. She now leads a group in Davis that continues to meet to exercise according to the program he taught them, using a CD with Chris’ voice and his music.

“Chris is a very talented teacher with a lot of knowledge about body mechanics. He could be famous for his routine, but he isn’t someone who brags or puts himself out there in a competitive way,” she said.

Kylie Mendonca, also a former class participant from Davis, learned Chris had moved here and looked him up so she could go to his Portland studio for workouts while she was on an extended summer visit. Now she is gearing up for a move here.

“Chris is so sweet. He makes an effort to learn people’s names, and he pays attention so he can help those who might need help with the poses. And you really see results from his classes – not only do you feel strong – you look fit,” she added.

Chris does what he loves. Although he earned a Ph.D. in physics, he has invested an enormous amount of time learning the art and science of fitness.

“They say you can do anything well if you put in 10,000 hours,” he said. “Well, I’ve put in that much time reading, learning from dance and fitness instructors, and trying new ideas to help people be fit without injury.”

Sensible Fitness classes, appropriate for participants of all genders and fitness levels, are offered at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily by reservation.

Prices vary depending on class size, and $15 for a single session. Private or customized small group classes are also available.

For a class schedule and to sign-up visit SensibleFitnessPDX.com, or contact Sensible Fitness by at info@sensiblefitnessPDX.com or 503.757.6656.

Combine labor of love with sense of purpose

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Health and Wellness

By Keren Brown Wilson, Ph.D

Labor Day is upon us. Started in 1882 to recognize the contributions of men and women in the U.S. workforce, in 1887 Oregon was the first state to make it a legal holiday.

Today it’s widely viewed as the unofficial last weekend of summer. But it’s still a celebration of the dignity of work, largely of the contributions that benefit society – like building things, caring for others or supporting the work of teams. And work implies a state of being worthy of esteem or respect.

Last month I mentioned that having purpose is an important element of successful aging. Tome, that’s related to dignity of work. Consider the phrase “labor of love.” Typically that’s something one does based on one’s interest in the work itself rather than any payment – work for one’s own enjoyment, or for the benefit of others.

For anyone who is retired from paid work – or sufficiently disabled to not work in the paid labor market – there is no barrier to being involved in a labor of love. It can give purpose to one’s life.

There is much to be done in our communities and for others in acts large and small. Imagine not only benefitting others, but yourself by various activities in which you get involved. Look around as you enjoy the last weekend of summer and ask yourself, “Where am I needed?”

Never think you are too old, too used up or too out of date to be able to contribute meaningfully as a part of aging gracefully… with purpose and with dignity.

Keren is president of the Jessie F. Richardson Foundation. Based in Clackamas, the nonprofit helps elders live full lives with dignity. Its strategies focus on bridging the gap for elders, families and communities throughout the United States and around the globe. Contact her at 503.408-4088 or KWilson@jfrfoundation.org, or visit JFRFoundation.org.

Cully Camina invites you to ‘walk, go, trot, wend your way’

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Events

The Cully Association of Neighbors and Oregon Walks are partnering Sept. 18 for the first of a new series of free, pedestrian-focused open streets events. The 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cully Camina will encourage participants to explore the Cully neighborhood on foot and use the streets for play in Oregon Walks’ new Oregon Walkways program.

What’s a camina? Loosely translated, it’s the Spanish word to walk, go, trot, home in on and/or wend one’s way.

Inspired by the success of the city of Portland’s Sunday Parkways, this event will close off portions of Killingsworth Street and Alberta Court to cars and open them to people. The route will highlight the newly minted Living Cully Plaza and the forthcoming 42nd Avenue Plaza, with activities along Cully Blvd, Alberta Street and Alberta Court, especially in and around Khunamokwst Park. Booths for food and art vendors as well as local nonprofits will be located near both plaza areas.

Volunteers, vendors and participants are all invited. Volunteers are needed on the planning and outreach teams, and to direct traffic.

Potential vendors may email Inna Levin.

Sponsors already include: Metro, the city of Portland, Our 42nd Avenue, Living Cully, Verde, Hacienda CDC, Andando en Bicicleta en Cully and City Repair and individuals who live and work in the neighborhood.

Oregon Walks is a pedestrian advocacy organization that works to ensure walking and the conditions for walking are safe, convenient and attractive for everyone. Learn more about Cully Camina.

Newspaper and the entire community keep improving; let’s keep up all our efforts

Posted on by Posted in CNA, Concordia News

Welcome back neighbor! Glad to see you are checking in.

As you read through this month’s issue, you’ll quickly find that Concordia News reporters have been busy collecting the stories and information you really care about…or have they? Ultimately, this community newspaper belongs to you, and the best way to be sure that it’s meeting your needs is to let us know what captures your interest and serves you best. Please visit concordiapdx.org/survey to take our reader survey.

But timely news and good reporting are just half of the story. As a free publication, CNews relies on its wonderful advertisers to keep us afloat. These are the folks who want to get their products and services noticed by people like you and they trust CNews to get the word out.

Our community is not just those of us who live in Concordia, but includes all of the business people who have made significant investments and, more often than not, bet their entire savings on enterprises that serve you, many within walking distance. When we patronize those businesses, we’re letting them know that their CNews advertising dollars are well spent. In turn, their support keeps the news and information flowing to you. Let those businesses know that you saw them here. Empowering this community starts with cooperation, but real money keeps the wheels going ’round.

And around we go indeed! Are we moving in the right direction? Is Concordia the model community of your dreams? I think we’re well on our way. I feel at ease and inspired when I look around and see a diversity of people, and when I hear my native Spanish being spoken…or Japanese or German or Farsi. I’m sure I’ve missed a few. Speak up!

If you were fortunate to attend any of our free summer concerts at Fernhill Park, you may have thought you were inside one of those old Coca Cola commercials with people from all over the globe singing, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony).” It felt like a real step toward a model community we can all be proud of.

What do you think we need to be the place you would call perfect? Commissioner Amada Fritz is coming to our general meeting Nov. 1. So think about what you would like her and other commissioners to know about where we want to be in 2030. For those of you with young children, this is an opportunity to secure a better world for them and beyond.

Thanks again and Semper Fi.
Isaac

Stop! Look! Listen!You could save a life

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Family

By Karen Wells

It’s back to school time. You can feel the excitement, the anticipation in the air. The shopping trips to get the new school clothes, gear and electronics – the stuff that makes it all possible.

If you do the traditional, round robin of shopping malls and outlets, you drive there and back, right? If you’re lucky, the ideal parking space awaits, right?

Remember to Stop! Look! Listen! Check for your children or other kids around your car before you park, after parking and before pulling out.

Kids are short. Parents are distracted. Kids are excited and curious. Parents are in a hurry. Cars have blind spots. Kids are oblivious to cars, both parked and moving. Parking lots and driveways are dangerous places, ripe for tragedy.

Stop! Look! Listen! Check where children might be before getting into your car. It takes seconds and could save a life.

According to KidsandCars.org, about 114 children younger than age five were killed in 2015 from backovers – cars that backed over unseen children – and frontovers – cars that moved slowly forward over unseen children.

Don’t leave a child younger than five unattended in a car, even for a minute. Heatstroke or another medical emergency can occur in moments. If the outside temperature is 70 and the windows are closed, it’s 125 inside that car.

We’re good parents. Let’s do our best to keep our children safe. Stop! Look! Listen!

karen-wells-100x100Karen is a master trainer in early childhood education at Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education. She provides health and safety training to parents and childcare staff via Child Care Resource and Referral of Multnomah County. Reach her at 5CornersFamily@gmail.com and 619.244.7892.

Black lives matter to shop, shoppers

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Ryan O’Connor

The owners of a Concordia neighborhood flower shop on Alberta Street know black lives matter. An artistic, handmade sign on the front door of their shop says so.

Beneath the words, “black lives matter,” Elie Wiesel is quoted. “Whenever & wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation, take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”

When news broke of the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, two black men killed by police in Louisiana and Minnesota, respectively, shop owners Mary Anne Huseby, Pat Hutchins and Lily Hutchins said they were devastated.

They believe they have the privilege of not worrying about how their white skin might affect their interactions with police and others in authority. They agreed they could not remain silent.

Lily proposed making the black lives matter sign, and Pat suggested adding the Holocaust survivor’s quote. Lily said she worried briefly the sign might cut down on walk-in traffic.

“But we all feel really empowered by stating our beliefs so clearly on the front door,” she explained. Overall, reactions from neighbors and customers have been positive.

Customers and passers-by have taken notice. John Middleton, a Concordia resident and longtime customer who is black explained, “The sign shows that ignoring and keeping a silent voice through all oppression is not OK.”

John started doing business with Flowers in Flight for the quality of the artistry. He believes some people have negative reactions to the sign, and that Flowers in Flight’s decision to retain the sign despite possible negative reactions means to him the owners care about people of color.

Mary Anne and Pat are sisters who have lived in northeast Portland for about 30 years, and started their business in 1984. Lily is Pat’s daughter, who joined them at work in 2012.

They have a racially diverse family, so they are aware of the issues facing people of color in Portland. Concordia’s history of diversity and the challenges presented by gentrification propelled them to post their sign.

Although the women did not post the sign to increase business, John reported he takes note of any store that posts one.

“I try to find a reason to go into to that business,” he said. “It has a huge influence on where I go, and it makes me feel better about the people who go to that business.”

1-Ryan-OConnorRyan O’Connor moved to Portland for college in 1997, and he and his family moved to the Concordia neighborhood a year ago. Most weekends, you can find them playing in Fernhill Park or walking to one of Concordia’s many excellent coffee shops or restaurants.

Keep kids supported this summer

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Family

By Jennifer Allison

Summer has come into full swing with longer days and later nights, and all the extra sunshine has everyone busy with activity. In the natural world, nature is teeming with life, plants are at their peak growth for the year, and animals are busy foraging and feeding their young.

We are all part of this cycle of life, and we can easily get swept into the energy that is available to us at this time. Our children are feeling it, too! They are out of their school rhythms, and there is a freedom that comes with that. In my household, it can be frazzling to have later nights and days full of activities.

How about you? Are you also feeling the fullness of summer in your home? When our kids are whirling with the day’s activities, it is nice to help bring some calm and groundedness back into their beings. That helps restore rest, and it supports the growth they are also experiencing during the summer.

As a follow up to last month’s column, here are some additional ways to support your kids now that summer is here, and the energy is running high.

  • Keep a consistent bedtime: What does this mean exactly? Well, if you are taking advantage of the later daylight, then you have probably moved bedtime back a bit. That is just fine, so keep it the same for your children. They still need eight to 10 hours minimum of rest per night, depending on their age, and more if they are younger. No child can do well with fewer than eight hours of sleep. Their bodies are still developing, and they need our help to get the rest they need.
  • Use natural remedies: In our house, we love to take Epsom salt baths and use essential oils on our bodies. Warm salt baths help to ground and support their bodies physically and emotionally. Essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, offer gentle therapeutic benefits. Also dilute the oils with carrier oil like almond or coconut oil, or another one you like. Start with just a small amount — one drop — to make sure your child doesn’t have a reaction.
  • Take an evening walk: Nature is healing. Children will do much better in the evening spending time outdoors on a walk, at a park or just in your backyard – as opposed to watching television or doing screen time before bed. Media can be a challenge for many children, winding them up and creating mental hyperactivity. It’s a good idea to bring some mindfulness about when you are allowing their interaction with media.

May these suggestions serve as tools to benefit your family on these long summer days, and to help keep healthy rhythms in your home!

Jennifer Allison is an early childhood educator at Gnome’s Home. Visit gnomeshome.org for information on classes for children and adults.