Agenda for the Wednesday, February 19, 2020 meeting of the CNA LUTC.
Yes, we can talk about the potential future of the Concordia University site.
LUTC Update – Smell pollution? There’s an app for that
By Garlynn Woodsong | CNA Board Member, SW1, CNA LUTC Chair
Concordians may smell a foul odor in the air from time to time – especially when there’s an inversion layer that traps a layer of warmer air next to the ground underneath a layer of cooler air, preventing pollution from escaping upwards.
Concordia is located near:
- Two major arterials
- A major transcontinental freight railroad line frequented by many hardworking diesel locomotives that are not subject to any meaningful pollution regulation
- An industrial zone that is home to many polluting uses, including propane tank facilities prone to leaking
- The airport, which is a hive of petroleum-burning activity, especially aviation gasoline and jet fuel – both of which are exempt from any meaningful emissions regulations
- Many other emissions sources, both fixed- and mobile-source
This foul air quality, although it is usually invisible, can have very real, long-term impacts on our health and quality of life. We, our children, our friends and our families all breathe in this air. If our air smells toxic, then we are likely inhaling toxins.
It can be frustrating, overwhelming and demoralizing to walk outside, breathe a foul odor, and to feel helpless and unable to do anything about it.
Now you can use a new free smartphone app, provided by Portland Clean Air, to crowdsource reports of pollution odors traveling through the neighborhood. The app also helps track down sources of industrial air pollution incidents.
You can download the app today and make a smell report – even if you walk outside, smell a beautiful clean-air day and, as a result, the smell report is positive.
Portland Clean Air has been working with app developer Beatrice Dias from Carnegie Melon University and with Seventh Generation to launch the app city-wide in Portland.
The Smell MyCity app crowdsources community reports of pollution odors and visualizes the city’s air quality. You can help with the launch of the app by downloading it today and making a smell report. This is a better alternative than your complaints being ignored by DEQ, or floating around Nextdoor.com.
Portland Clean Air now has a toxic smell response team with monitoring equipment, and data from nine agencies to help pinpoint the source so negotiators can be sent in to help reduce or eliminate the emissions source.
Find the Smell MyCity app free on the App Store and on Google Play.
SmellMyCity.org makes smell report data accessible publicly and easy for all residents and community groups to explore. It includes a map visualization page of how smell reports are distributed across the city over time. And it offers a data access page to download smell report data for further analysis.
Smell, submit, share!
There’s love in the details at new lounge
By Marsha Sandman | CNA Media Team
As if the Alberta Rose Theatre isn’t fabulous enough. Joe Cawley, owner and purveyor of all things amazing, has opened Rosie’s Lounge right across the street.
It’s a cocktail lounge, restaurant, late night spot and a perfectly warm and inviting oasis. Guests say they are impressed immediately with the delightful décor which is, of course, dominated by roses.
Both warm and engaging – Blest VonWeter, manager, and Sarah King assistant manager – are longtime Concordians. You might recognize Sarah as the singer with The Nowhere Band at the Alberta Rose Theatre. They are the creative talent behind the interior design.
Blest produced the cocktail offerings and Sarah helped to build the dinner, happy hour and late night snack menus for the 4 p.m.–1 a.m. lounge.
Blest and Sarah have been friends for more than 30 years and business partners for five as interior designers and owners of Gold Dust, which was once located inside the Alberta Rose building.
Joe appreciated their design aesthetics and knew they were the perfect pair when he learned Gold Dust on Alberta Street at 14th Avenue will close soon.
He gave them complete artistic license in the remodeling and design of the former Stella Taco at 2940 N.E. Alberta St.
“It’s decadent, colorful, glamorous, romantic and welcoming,” Sarah explained. Gilded mirrors and larger-than-life roses grace the walls. Blest built the beautiful and abundant crystal chandeliers.
The new solid walnut bar is an excellent spot to enjoy libations. This is not your typical minimalist Portland bar. Rosie’s Lounge is Portland proud with 90% of the décor sourced locally. “Love is in the details,” Sarah pointed out.
After you’ve settled in, you’ll be wowed by the dinner and drinks menus. Blest is a master mixologist who promises seasonal changes.
The impressive dinner menu was designed by the owner, head chef Dee Dee Hopkins, and a group of other talented chefs, in addition to Sarah. It’s a unique and interesting menu intended to please all palettes.
Next spring Rosie’s plans to offer a brunch service with outside seating. Promised is a menu with seasonal changes and all food is, like its surroundings, sourced locally.
Facebook.com/rosiesloungeportland and Instagram’s @Rosie’sLounge offer evidence of the popularity of Rosie’s Lounge since it opened in December.
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.
Concordia Neighborhood Association Mixer
Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: YesYes Healing Garden, 1626 NE Alberta St.
Tour Alberta Street’s newest wellness practice. It offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, several genres of massage and more. Founders John Kozel and KMA Sullivan will offer tours, beverages and hors d’oeuvres. This is CNA’s first opportunity in 2020 to mingle with your neighbors.
Details: soniagf419@gmail.com
Live from Alberta Street … it’s the Annex
By Carrie Wenninger | CNA Media Team
Sometimes things fall apart, only to come back together better than you ever could have imagined. Such was the case with the Annex, the event venue across the courtyard from Cruzroom’s main bar and restaurant at 2338 N.E. Alberta Street.
Ready to open a second location, owner Octavio ‘Tavi’ Cruz-Uribe had scouted the perfect space across town when the deal suddenly fell through, explained the Annex’s manager and head booker Jake Jarvis.
And that’s precisely when the spacious, empty building mere feet away became available.
A mechanic shop in the 1940s, Cruzroom is now a favorite gathering place known for its cocktails, innovative tacos and popular outdoor patio. The Annex served as car storage for the shop, then sat idle for decades. It has now found new life as a thriving 150-person capacity performance venue.
Open for a year, the Annex hosts a packed schedule of local and larger bands; dedicated nights for jazz and Brazilian music, comedy, trivia and open mic; Yoga and Tacos events; miscellaneous classes; and more.
Jake is also the bassist for the Portland band Fir. He and friends had a huge hand in the renovations and interior build-out. Rumor has it the space also boasts the only full-size pool table on Alberta Street, previously owned by former Portland Trail Blazers great Kevin Duckworth.
Crowds were initially slow to arrive, but things picked up last spring thanks to the increasingly popular open mic night, which draws in an eclectic mix of talent.
Angelyna Tropets of Honey Latte Presents assists with all-ages show bookings and the website and social media presence. Jake focuses on cultivating curated events and residencies in addition to managing the Annex.
Find the event schedule at Cruzroom.com/annex. Looking to book a show? Email CruzroomAnnex@gmail.com
“We want to be a positive part of the neighborhood, a space where people can come, relax and be safe while enjoying a variety of shows,” Jake emphasized.
“We welcome all people and we absolutely do not tolerate any sort of discrimination.”
Not just about skinny jeans, band t-shirts and flannels, the Annex’s wideranging offerings make it clear there’s something here for everyone. The menu is the same as Cruzroom’s, including many vegan and gluten-free options, the patio is smoker-friendly, and all ages are welcome until 10 p.m.
Carrie Wenninger lives on 29th Avenue in Concordia. She is a freelance writer, a mom, a world traveler and a small business marketing consultant. Contact her at WurdGurl@gmail.com.
Become our partner?
Are you involved in an organization or business that is committed to this community prospering in all ways – especially in equity and inclusivity?
Do you agree with the Concordia Neighborhood Association (CNA) board of directors that working in partnership with each other, the effectiveness of each entity can be maximized?
If yes, then mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 4. The CNA board invites you – and all individuals – to its quarterly general meeting. The discussion will focus on how the various groups in and near Concordia can work together to further education or advocacy toward the goals of equity and inclusivity.
“We’re looking for partners to increase our own efforts – and theirs – to further and more effectively serve the community at low or no cost,” explained CNA chair Astrid Furstner. “We want to help increase outreach and communications opportunities here in Concordia and with people and organizations in neighborhoods next door.
“As a neighborhood association, we believe we can help be a catalyst for collaboration,” she added. “Let us know how you think that might work best.”
If you cannot attend the meeting, but want to explore the concept further, contact Astrid at Chair@ConcordiaPDX. org.
Thanks for the memories
The Dec. 11 CNA Holiday Party was a smashing success with an estimated 250 guests making merry at Cerimon House and enjoying entertainment and food provided by nearly two dozen businesses and organizations.
The food courtyard came alive with the international flavors of Aladdin Café, Alecocina, Angel’s Donuts & Ice Cream, HOTLIPS pizza, Los Pepitos Locos, Lovejoy’s Tea Room, Seastar Bakery, Teote Mezcalería and Vita Café.
Vernon School Band and Faubion School Choir entertained Concordians during the evening, which was culminated with the high energy Andean and Latin American music of Grupo Latitudes.
Raffle sales raised $275 for Northeast Food Pantry, and guests also donated plenty of food and clothing.
Raffle prize contributors included Aladdin Café, Frock, Lovejoy’s Tea Room, Mathnasium, Miss Zumstein’s Bakery and Coffee Shop, Mud Bay and YesYes Healing Garden.
Additional food and decoration items were donated by Fred Meyer and Whole Foods. The Kids Corner – complete with crafts and activities – came alive with materials donated by collagepdx, faithful volunteer Elizabeth Keenan and Mathnasium.
A big thanks to everyone who helped in every way, and to all of the Concordians who took time out of their schedules to attend.
If you missed the party, don’t worry. There’ll likely be another late this year.
Look for details next November and December in CNews and on Facebook.com/groups/ConcordiaPDX.
Thanks for asking – Have you heard of National Freedom Day?
By Karen Wells | CNA Media Team
Have you heard of National Freedom Day? It’s celebrated Feb. 1, commemorating a congressional resolution built from the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863.
Feb. 1 also ushers in Black History Month, a time to focus attention on the achievements and contributions of people of the African-American diaspora.
In February 1865, President Abraham Lincoln presented Congress a signed resolution proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution changing the legal status of more than three million Americans of African ancestry from “slave” to “free.”
A nine-year-old child of African ancestry living in Georgia as a slave grew to become an officer in the Spanish-American War, banker, distinguished educator, college president and civil rights activist.
His name was Maj. Richard Robert Wright Sr., founder of National Freedom Day Association. Under his leadership, the association repeatedly lobbied Congress to establish a national observance commemorating the signing of the 13th Amendment, which outlaws the practice of applying property law to people.
That former slave died in 1947. The following year, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill proclaiming Feb. 1 National Freedom Day, a precursor of Black History Month.
His life overlapped that of Carter Godwin Woodson, historian, scholar, educator, activist, journalist and publisher. In 1926, the historian launched a celebration of Negro History Week the second week of February.
He selected that week to honor the life of social justice activist Frederick Douglas, whose birthday is Feb. 14. Fast forward to 1969, Kent State University’s (KSU’s) Black Students United, supported by KSU African-American professors, proposed changing the name from “Negro History” to “Black History” and extending the observance to the entire month.
1970 was the first year Black History Month was observed in academic and cultural centers of Portland, and across the nation. In 1976, Black History Month garnered national support during the U.S. bicentennial when President Gerald Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. ”
From the early 1900s to the present, African American Portlanders have served in the military. African Americans in military service demonstrate patriotism, and more important, contest the myth of white supremacy.
In 1918 50 African Americans were drafted by the Selective Service System to travel 110 miles north for training at Fort Lewis. They were the first of many black men deployed to the front lines of France in World War 1.
Black Concordians have served in military conflicts and crises since then. Is Portland’s history punctuated by black Concordians’ achievements and moxie? Thanks for asking.
Editor’s note: Karen consulted several sources for this piece and shares them with you on Facebook.com/groups/ConcordiaPDX. Do you have a cross-cultural question for her? Send it to CNewsEditor@ConcordiaPDX.org
Karen Wells is a retired early childhood community educator, health and safety trainer.
CNA LUTC Agenda: Jan 15, 2020
This Wednesday, January 15th, 2020, we’ll have two guests at the CNA LUTC meeting:
First, we’ll be talking about the redevelopment of the Dekum Court housing project with Pamela Kambur from Home Forward.
Then, we’ll be discussing the Columbia Lombard Mobility Plan with Bryan Poole from PBOT.
Please join us! 7-8:30 pm in the Community Room in the SE Corner of McMenamins Kennedy School.
Concordia community events calendar for January
Tuesday, Dec. 31-Wednesday, Jan. 1, noon-5pm
CREATIVE PATH WALK: Turning of the Year–Hopes & Resolutions for 2020
Location: Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd
The monthly indoor community contemplative walk is on the historic Chartres pattern. Traversing the design offers the opportunity to focus & still the mind. Donations accepted, reservations encouraged. Wear comfortable socks.
Details: creativepathwalk.org
Fridays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, 10:30am-noon
FEAST COMMUNITY CHOIR
Location: Subud Portland, 3185 NE Regents
Forget Everything & Sing Together (FEAST) is a community acapella choir with the goal to build community. New singers welcome.
Details/fee: feastcommunitychoir.com
Monday, Jan. 6-Friday, March 20, library open hours
Heather Goodwind Exhibit
Location: Concordia University Library
Helen Goodwind deploys paint, ink & graphite to create a personal anthology of the archetypal images she presents as a permanent record of her experience. Her current projects include large scale works on canvas, & self-data collection to track & optimize her creative process. The exhibit shows through the Concordia University Library Multicultural Arts & Events Program. A reception for the artist is Thursday, Jan. 30, 5:30-8:30pm.
Details/library open hours: cu-portland.edu/academics/libraries/library-calendar
Tuesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, 4-8pm
TIME TOGETHER: TUESDAYS
Location: Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd
Gather, knit, craft, fold, chat, be. This open house connects friends. Most Tuesdays include a 22-foot Chartres pattern labyrinth for a contemplative walk.
Details: cerimonhouse.org
Saturday, Jan. 11, 3-5pm
Home Energy Score Workshop
Location: Community Energy Project, 2900 SE Stark
Portland homes now require home energy scores to be listed for sale. This class is for home sellers/buyers & real estate brokers. Class covers interpreting home energy score reports & effective energy efficiency upgrades.
Details/registration: communityenergyproject.org
Sunday, Jan. 12, 3-5:30pm
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
Location: Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd
Join community members to talk about neighborhood change in the premiere of the film “Diary of a Street. ” Learn about early neighborhood history from CNews historian Doug Decker. Explore diverse perspectives on neighborhood change with a panel from the housing field & community. Enjoy light refreshments & participate in the raffle for prizes from local businesses. Funded partially by the Regional Arts & Culture Council, the event is hosted by Jordana Leeb, featured in CNews (Page 9 of the November 2019 issue at concordiapdx.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/cna-201911-web.pdf).
Details/RSVP: tinyurl.com/ConcordiaConversations
Monday, Jan. 13, 7pm
Paranormal Pub: Ghosts of McMenamins
Location: McMenamins Kennedy School
Presenter Rocky Smith, historian & paranormal investigator reports the legends of ghostly apparitions guests have encountered at McMenamins properties, especially Kennedy School, White Eagle & Edgefield. In fact, those properties are featured regularly on lists of Oregon’s haunted hotspots. The in-depth presentation not only offers some of the most chilling entries from the famous McMenamins ghost logs–it also explores the mystery & history surrounding the buildings. Minors welcome with parents or guardians. Doors open 6pm.
Details: mcmenamins.com/events/213278-paranormal-pub-ghosts-of-mcmenamins
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7pm
Race Talks: The Color of Fear–Walking Each Other Home
Location: McMenamins Kennedy School
This session ends the 4-part discussion of “The Color of Fear,” an insightful, groundbreaking film about the state of race relations in America. It gives an in-depth look into the state of race in America. In the era of Black Lives Matter, gay pride & chants of “send them back”–with the urgency for racial reconciliation heightened–the film’s commentary is just as poignant today as it was 25 years ago. Doors open 6pm.
Details: mcmenamins.com/events/213267-the-color-of-fear-part-ii-walking-each-other-home
Thursday, Jan. 16, 6-8pm
FREE CRAFT NIGHT
Location: Atlas Pizza, 710 N Killingsworth
collage & Atlas Pizza collaborate the third Thursday of each month to sponsor this event. Supplies & instructors provided, no registration necessary.
Details: collagepdx.com
Saturday, Jan. 25, 8:45am-1pm
Groundwater 101
Location: McKinstry Company, 16790 NE Mason
Join the Portland Water Bureau & the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for this workshop geared toward adults & adolescents as young as 17. You’ll learn groundwater basics including local geology & hydrology, the role groundwater plays in the local drinking water system & what you can do to protect this resource that lies beneath the cities of Portland, Gresham & Fairview. The workshop is presented with a mix of hands-on & classroom-style teaching, Light refreshments provided.
Details/registration: columbiaslough.org/events/event/71
Saturday Jan. 25, 10am-1pm
Stewardship Saturday: Columbia Park Nature Patch
Location: 7701 N Chautauqua
Help plant native trees & shrubs to create habitat for pollinators & birds at this north Portland park. Not only do they require less watering & chemicals to thrive & create healthy wildlife habitat for pollinators, native plants discourage invasive species, & they help manage stormwater naturally to improve the health of the rivers & streams. Instruction, gloves, tools, snacks, & warm drinks provided for this family-friendly event. Cosponsors are the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Friends of Columbia Park & Portland Parks & Recreation.
Details/registration: rachel.walsh@columbiaslough.org, 503.281.1132
Sunday, Jan. 26, 10am-5pm
Sacred Geometry & Mandala Art: Drawing the Universe
Location: Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd
The morning segment of this playshop focuses on sacred geometry & learning to draw 2 basic patterns. The afternoon explores the contemplative process of the mandala. Short, guided meditations align with the significance of 11/11 & will be offered throughout the day. The day is presented by the Liminal Space Society, no experience is necessary & supplies & beverages provided. Bring your own lunch. A similar gathering was highlighted in CNews (Page 9 of the November 2018 issue at concordiapdx.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cna-201811.1-web.pdf).
Details/fee: cerimonhouse.org/calendar/2018/mandala-geometry
Monday, Jan. 27, 7pm
History Pub: About the Making of “The General”
Location: McMenamins Kennedy School
Presenter Oregon Encyclopedia author & former state librarian of Oregon Jim Scheppke introduces Buster Keaton’s masterpiece silent movie that was filmed in 1926 in Cottage Grove, Oregon. He’ll describe the filmmaking process, including the famous train wreck scene that was most expensive scene in the history of silent film. Following a screening of the movie, Jim will answer questions. Doors open 6pm.
Details: mcmenamins.com/events/213230-the-making-of-the-general-buster-keatons-masterpiece
Community calendar items Admission to events is free unless otherwise noted. Priority is afforded to local events sponsored by–or which benefit–local nonprofit organizations. Submit information to CNewsEditor@ConcordiaPDX.org by the 10th of the month preceding the event.