By Esther Lerman Freeman | Contributing Writer

Here are some environmentally friendly ideas that also make you happy while you’re doing them. I love anything that’s a win/win and these ideas qualify.

1. Make your Own Bean Sprouts
Making one’s own sprouts is waste free, really fun to watch, requires minimal time and provides fresh and delicious sprouts while saving you money. All you need is a one quart wide mouth jar and a straining lid. (Straining lids are infinitely reusable.) You soak the seeds overnight, drain them in the morning and then rinse them three times a day. In three or four days you’ll have a packed jar of yummy sprouts. Any kids at home will love being part of the growing process.

2. Switch Out Leaf Blowers for Good Old-Fashioned Rakes
Leaf blowers cause noise pollution for you and your neighbors, use energy and are unhealthy for ears and lungs. Old fashioned raking can be a lovely meditative experience since it is repetitive, requires little skill or thought and is done in the beautiful outdoors. I think of it as moving meditation. Additionally if you “leave the leaves” you are getting free mulch for your soil.

3. Shop at the Farmers Markets from May to November
Buying directly from farmers gives you access to the freshest and most beautiful produce and is definitely more fun than being at a supermarket. You can bring your own bags and reuse them, which decreases packaging as well as the energy used to ship vegetables from large farms to stores since you’re buying from local producers. There is frequently lovely music at the markets, interesting new produce to learn about and the farmers are making a better living selling without a middleman.

4. Make Broth from Veggie Scraps
Making broth is a money saver and a vitamin boost. Any time you devein kale or remove the stems of mushrooms, the ends of onions and garlic or the tops of carrots and radishes, just put them in a bag in your freezer until you have a full bag. Then boil everything in a pot of water for an hour or so, adding any salt or spices you like. Scoop the mushy veggies out and compost them and then let the broth cool. You can use it as a base for your soup, stew, or even to cook your rice or other grains. You have paid zero for the broth and there was no container to recycle.

5. Make Your Own Body Scrub
You can make your own body scrub with household ingredients. Combine 1/4 cup of sugar with 1/8 cup of olive or grape seed oil and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Next time you come in from gardening and your hands are dirty and feel dry, use this scrub.

6. Mend Your Own Clothes
If your favorite shirt has a hole in it, don’t despair! Visible mending is a new trend that turns a plain garment into a creative crafty expression. Either stitch around the hole with some embroidery thread so the hole becomes a decoration or find a scrap of lovely fabric to cover it and sew around it. The sewing is super easy and only requires a needle, thread and some creativity.

Try one of these environmentally friendly projects at home soon!

Esther Lerman Freeman is a certified Master Recycler and Concordia resident.

By Elaine Oliver with Nedra Rezinas | Contributing Writers

Last fall, I left my corporate job and decided to start my own
business. I also started as the Ad Sales Rep for Concordia News. Whether recently opened or around for a few years, local businesses have had to adapt to a variety of challenges. I wanted to hear their stories, so I reached out to three local businesses this month.

Autumn Coffee Roasting

First, I spoke with Andrew Hume, the owner of Autumn Coffee Roasting (328 NE Killingsworth St.). Andrew started his business serving coffee from a food cart at farmers markets and events. He took the plunge to open a brick and mortar storefront and chose Concordia because of his familiarity growing up in Parkside. Andrew has never taken any investment money and has built his business “slowly and sustainably,” he says. Autumn Coffee opened up at NE 33rd and NE Killingsworth in November.

Shortly after opening, Andrew had to weather the ice storm and was faced with the challenge of staying open. He also mentioned that parking can be an issue for some customers and that digital advertising is costly and doesn’t necessarily convert into meaningful new customers, which can be frustrating.

To get the word out, Andrew features local artists and hosts classes, sketch hours, and art talks.

ECOVIBE

ECOVIBE (1906 NE Alberta St.) on NE Alberta and NE 19th is a retail store focused on gifts and houseplants. It is family owned and operated, and was started in 2010 by Andrea “Dre” Allen and her husband Leonard “Len” Allen, whose family has lived in the neighborhood for six generations.

“One of our biggest business challenges is seeing retail decline in the last two years as people returned to work [after the COVID pandemic] and were less focused on the beauty of their homes and offices,” says Dre.

The ice storm in January forced them to close for a week and a decrease in consumer spending due to inflation is another pressure they face. “The more that neighbors shop local, the more likely those shops will be able to keep their doors open.” She also encourages sharing positive reviews on Google, Yelp, or social media.

Queer Plants Cafe

Ross and Ernest Koh opened Queer Plants Cafe (5027 NE 42nd Ave.) in November of last year. Queer Plants Cafe is a plant, gift, and coffee cafe with personality and charm. Ross says that one of his challenges is finding people who will love and support them, which takes time. Additionally, new small businesses are often burdened with start-up debt, which makes it difficult to spend a lot on marketing.

At their previous jobs, Ross and Ernest had little control, and they felt like their talent and ideas were untapped. They appreciate the ability to use their creativity to design, build, enhance, and nourish Queer Plants Cafe. Now Ross and Ernest feel like they are flourishing and able to express their creativity while hosting their own community and events.

One easy way to support local businesses, says Ross, is to tell a friend or family member about it. Another way to help is to bring your own cup and skip the take-out packaging to help businesses save money and reduce waste.

If you are a small business in Portland and are looking for support, see the box below for resources that provide support to small businesses.

One of Concordia Neighborhood Association’s goals is to connect Concordia residents and businesses. I can’t think of a better way to help our neighborhood shine; I highly recommend you choose to keep your dollars in our neighborhood when you buy a cup of coffee or shop for yourself or someone else. Our neighbors who own these businesses will thank you.

• Livelihood NW – livelihoodnw.org
• Soul District Business Association – souldistrictbiz.org/membership
• Prosper Portland – prosperportland.us/for-businesses
• Portland Metro Chamber of Commerce – portlandmetrochamber.com

Elaine (she/her) is a former tech trainer turned ADHD coach and Concordia newspaper ad sales rep. She is a passionate auntie, pitbull mom, and soccer player who has called Concordia home for 4 years. You can find her eating good food with friends or walking her lovable pitbull Charlie in the neighborhood.

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.

By Joshua Lickteig | Contributing Writer

On a stroll in your neighborhood, you may have noticed a sign in a neighbor’s yard: Certified Backyard Habitat, or Backyard Habitat Certification . . . In Progress. I recently enrolled in the program myself; a unique offering from a collaboration between the Columbia Land Trust and Bird Alliance of Oregon.

Enrollment is offered on a sliding scale, starting at $5, and open to any residential lot smaller than a single acre. The Backyard Habitat Certification Program (BHCP) requires naturescaping, or planting a majority of native plants amongst the groundcover, shrubs and trees of your home’s outdoor space. All of the outdoor space on a property is included, so your front, back, side yards, and even the parking strip must comply in order to become certified.

From shrub and bush species types to the tree canopies in which they live, and all the natural inhabitants or visitors of each (birds, pollinators, bug friends); there’s much to consider, whether attracting wildlife or stewardship of a sustainable, biodiverse ecosystem as a conscious contribution to your local green economy is your particular draw.

A site visit from a habitat technician is the first step after enrollment; the outcome of which is a site report with recommendations. Certification may be achieved at that visit, over weeks or may even take years.

You’ll confer with a vast free library of resources (BackyardHabitats.org/resource-library) along with the certification criteria (BackyardHabitats.org/certification-criteria) and begin to grow knowledge about nourishing native vegetation layers, identifying harmful weeds, reducing pesticides, even managing stormwater.

There are plenty of decisions to make and opportunities to learn about how to help connect urban and suburban greenspaces, no matter your familiarity with plants or trees and the very soil itself. New ways to think about, volunteer, and engage with your community and nature will begin to present themselves.

My visit is scheduled for the beginning of this month.

Joshua Lickteig is an artist and engineer. He was born near the other Milwaukee and has been in Portland for six years. His latest book of poems is called Half Moon Day Sun.

By Catherine Noble | Contributing Writer

Portland International Raceway (PIR) is the only raceway owned and operated by a city municipality in the United States and since 1987 has offered a chance for regular citizens to live out their racecar driver fantasies.

The address of PIR on N Victory Blvd. is a fitting testimony to a community that overcame disaster. In 1948, on Memorial Day, a dike broke, flooding the city of Vanport, Oregon, the second largest city in the state at that time. In 30 minutes, the flood swept away the city’s post office, library, fire houses, infirmary and elementary schools. The college relocated and became Portland State University, but the other buildings were never rebuilt, leaving behind remnants of their foundations on an array of still intact city streets.

Where some would see ruins, the Portland Junior Chamber of Commerce (known as the Jaycees) envisioned a place to race, and in 1960, convinced then Mayor Terry Shrunk to strike a deal with the federal government for a gift of approximately 89 acres of broken roadways for racing.

From 1961, especially during what became the annual Portland Rose Festival’s Rose Cup, racers careened through the erstwhile city on motorcycles, in sports cars and karts, and the low hum of city life became the thunder of mechanical engines in what was now known as West Delta Park. The sport was dangerous. Drivers spun out, slamming into piles of broken foundations, or tumbling into ponds. Sanctioning racing bodies threatened the continuation of The Rose Cup Races, demanding a safer roadway, and in 1971, the track was finally paved.

Two years later, in 1973, PIR turned a profit, and now the commercial enterprise brings in almost $50 million a year. Races held at PIR include IndyCar, Formula E, NASCAR Xfinity series and SCCA autocross events and PIR holds 650 events annually for 400,000 spectators.

And for Portlandians who want to try out racing themselves, $500 can get you a day to race your own car through the 12 turns on the track. The course includes classroom instruction and instructor-led spins around the almost 2-mile loop.

Jonathan Morgan, a sales professional, is one such Portlandian who recently attended Hooked on Driving School. Morgan says the experience increased his admiration for people who race professionally and also led him to think about his city driving in a new way.

“Not that I wasn’t a safe driver before, but now I know how to handle braking and turning for maximum efficiency.”

Three years before the Pro Drive Racing School was founded, the track underwent $800,000 of renovations including the addition of a chicane, an S-shaped curve that adds drama to the flat track.

“It’s two 90-degree turns in quick succession,” Morgan explains. He says he came out of the serpentine curve a little too fast, and thought it wise to stop racing for the day. “It was a disappointment, but a total hoot.”

Hooked on Driving and Pro Drive Racing School both offer a variety of classes for Portlanders with a need for speed. For those who enjoy quieter activities, there’s also a dog park there.

Catherine Noble, MFA, is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and misses the winters not at all. She credits her parents for encouraging her love of engines, both mechanical and social, which factors in her current project: a book on the 1920s aviatrix Bessie Coleman.

By Marsha Sandman | Contributing Writer

I considered getting a bicycle when I forgot to change the transmission oil in my 2002 Honda CRV. Goodbye Old Faithful. So now it’s the MAX, buses, Ubers and rides from my son. Maybe a bicycle might be the thing for me. However, unlike my many fit neighbors, I have not been on a bike since my long gone youth. If you perhaps can relate, then read on.

Being a mobility challenged senior, my son was concerned about me moving on two or maybe three wheels. Keeping in mind physical changes such as vision, coordination, balance, and cognitive function may make cycling more difficult as my fitness-challenged body has aged. So I did some research.

Fortunately, I found Mathew Mendez right here in Concordia at his small shop, Upcycle, just off of Killingsworth (5516 NE 16th Ave.) He bought the established Dekum cycle sale, repair, and customizing business last November.

I asked him about tricycles and e-bikes. I thought three wheels would make them more stable for me.

“There is still a possibility of falling over if too much speed is used when turning corners or traveling on uneven ground”, Mendez told me when I asked about their stability.

There is also a low riding 3-wheeler recumbent tricycle which is lower to the ground, more stable and that comes in an e-bike version. But poor visibility and the high price do not appeal to me. And my son discouraged me from riding a three wheeler. So maybe an e-bike for me?

E-bikes are very popular and come in a wide price range starting at about $1,300 all the way up to $13,000. Being able to ride with or without the electric assist makes this an attractive option. An electric assist can provide extra help, enabling longer rides and making it easier to conquer hills. However, e-bikes are a bit heavy to pick up if they tip over.

Additionally, older adults such as myself may be more at risk of falls. Consider taking a cycling skills course to improve your knowledge and safety.

To ensure safety, seniors should know their physical, mental, and health limitations. Understanding your limitations helps you choose a bike, a route and riding pace suitable for your abilities, reducing the risk of overexertion or injury.

A believer in cycling at all ages, Mendez suggests “biking more” and “enjoying every mile.”

I’m still looking for the best senior bicycle for me, but yesterday I bought a used Honda with a good transmission. Now my son is worried about me driving.

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.

By Gina Levine | Contributing Writer

The month of July in Portland is the perfect time to plan fun activities that will get kids outdoors and away from screens. Here are some classic, free ideas that capture the essence of a 90s summer in or near our Concordia neighborhood:

1. Dig for Bugs
Encourage your children to explore their natural surroundings by digging in the dirt and searching for bugs. This simple activity fosters curiosity and teaches kids about the environment. Equip them with a small shovel, a magnifying glass, and a bug jar, and let their adventures begin!

2. Blowing Bubbles
Blowing bubbles is a timeless activity that never fails to bring smiles. You can easily make your own bubble solution at home with dish soap, water, and a bit of glycerin. Spend an afternoon creating giant bubbles or see who can catch the most!

3. Lemonade Stands
Nothing says summer like a homemade lemonade stand. Help your kids set up a stand in your front yard. It’s a great way to teach them about entrepreneurship and handling money, all while enjoy ing delicious, refreshing lemonade.

4. Hanging with Friends
Sometimes, the best summer memories are made simply by spending time with friends. Organize a neighborhood playdate or a casual picnic in your backyard. Bring out classic lawn games like tag, hide-and-seek, or even a simple game of catch.

5. Free Lunch at Local Parks
Take advantage of Portland Parks & Recreation’s free lunch program for kids. Alberta Park offers free lunch from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and Kh unamokwst Park from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, Monday through Friday. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while ensuring your kids are well-fed.

6. Explore Whitaker Ponds
Just outside our neighborhood, Whitaker Ponds Nature Park (7040 NE 47th Ave.) offers an easy hike perfect for little explorers. The short, flat trails are ideal for young children and provide a chance to observe local wildlife and enjoy nature up close.

7. Jamison Square Fountain
Cool off during the summer heat downtown at the fountain at Jamison Square (810 NW 11th Ave.) The cascading water and shallow pools make it a fun and safe place for kids to splash around. Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon enjoying this urban oasis.

8. Blue Lake Regional Park
One of my family’s favorite spots, Blue Lake Regional Park in Fairview (21224 NE Blue Lake Rd.) offers a plethora of activities. Pay $5 to park and then spend the day swimming at the beach, playing at the ‘spray ground’, or even participating in free fishing lessons available on select days. It’s a fantastic place for a full day of family fun.

Let’s take a trip back to the 1990s and rediscover these simple, joyful activities that will create lasting memories for your children. Whatever activities you choose, it’s always an adventure to let your kids lead the way and see what they come up with! The simple moments you spend together today will create cherished memories for years to come. Enjoy the summer!

Gina Levine is a momma of three and owner of We Play Portland.

By Esther Lerman Freeman | Contributing Writer

As the summer approaches and our thirst increases, many of us enjoy refreshing summertime drinks like juice, kombucha and carbonated drinks that come in recyclable, refundable cans and bottles. There are also some drinks we can make in quart or half gallon bottles or pitchers that produce zero waste (other than compost). No need for recycling and we can save money, too. Here are some tips for making drinks at home.

Iced Tea

Make several jars of iced tea to keep on hand in the fridge at all times. I enjoy having a black tea, a green tea and an herbal tea at the ready. As soon as one bottle is finished, you can rinse it and enjoy steeping more tea again.

1. Start with three quart-sized bottles and place a few single tea bags in each one (depending on how strong you want your tea).
2. Then, pour a cup of boiling water over each and let them steep for as long as suggested for the tea (usually 3-5 minutes for black tea, 2-3 minutes for green tea, and 3-5 minutes for herbal tea.) Remove the tea bags.
3. Add whatever you like. Honey, maple syrup, and brown sugar are good sweeteners or just enjoy it unsweetened. You may also squeeze a lime or lemon into the mix.
4. Stir well.
5. Add ice to cool.

Infused Water

Hotels often have infused waters in their lobby for us to enjoy, but we can treat ourselves easily right at home. Flavored water is lovely, inexpensive, and produces no waste.

1. Add a few cucumber slices, citrus slices, or any fresh fruits to a pitcher of water.
2. Let the water infuse for at least 4 hours.
3. Strain the water to remove any chunks.
4. Add ice and enjoy.

Ginger Drink

If you don’t mind a few more minutes of prep time, a sweet and spicy ginger drink might hit the spot. Drink it over ice or use more ginger to use it as a syrup.

1. Peel a small piece of fresh ginger and slice it.
2. Simmer it in a cup or two of water for 20-30 minutes.
3. Add sweetener of your choice.
4. Let cool.
5. If you like, add fruit to infuse or try hibiscus flowers.

Happy summer. I’ll be back with more eco-friendly tips next month.

Esther Lerman Freeman is a certified Master Recycler and Concordia resident

By Jim Gersbach | Contributing Writer

What was once just a grassy field at the former Meek Elementary School (4039 NE Alberta Ct.) has recently been accredited as a Level 1 arboretum by Arbnet, an international arboretum accreditation and networking program. The new arboretum is called the Concordia Learning Landscape Arboretum and is the fifth in Oregon nationally accredited by Arbnet.

Jim Gersbach and Mallory Pratt, longtime Concordia Tree Team volunteers, submitted the successful application. They were required to meet five criteria:

• At least 25 different species, with labels and documentation
• An oversight group for the accreditation process
• An operational plan for the protection and maintenance of the trees
• A group dedicated to care and maintenance of the trees
• Public access, community engagement, education and on-site events

With the help of Friends of Trees, Concordia Tree Team volunteers began planting trees at the school (now called Alliance High School) on April 2nd, 2010. The first trees at Meek came from Portland Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry’s Learning Landscape Program. Today, the volunteers continue to weed, mulch, water and do structural pruning on the trees.

The arboretum has about four dozen species of trees representing 27 genera in 20 families. A main focus is the rapidly expanding oak family. The collection includes species from five different continents and at least five species native to Oregon. Members of the Concordia Tree Team are very excited to have their many years of dedication be rewarded with arboretum status.

Jim Gersbach is a longtime volunteer with the Concordia Tree Team and has lived in Concordia for 22 years. He is a master pruner and planting crew leader with the non-profit Friends of Trees, and occasionally gives tree walks at Hoyt Arboretum and around the city.