Concordia Neighborhood Association | Portland, Oregon

Faubion slates Aug. 29 opening

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Madeline Turnock, Concordia University

Faubion School north entrance rendering
The north entrance on Dekum Street will welcome Faubion School students and families when the new Faubion School + Concordia University, a 3 to PhD® community, opens this month. Rendering courtesy of 3 to PhD

Back to school takes on a whole new meaning this month for students at the new Faubion School + Concordia University, a 3 to PhD® community.

The grand opening is Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 2930 N.E. Dekum St. A brief program begins at 3:30 p.m., and neighbors are welcome. Learn more at 3toPhD.org.

For the past two years, Faubion School served students at an alternative location on North Flint Avenue.

“We’ve felt homesick off-site the past two years, and now Faubion School is looking forward to being ‘back home’ in the neighborhood with a brand new footprint,” said Faubion school principal Jennifer McCalley. “This is a unique opportunity to realize our shared vision for a safer, healthier, more educated community.”

Concordia University College of Education Dean Sheryl Reinisch agreed. “The collaboration with Portland Public Schools’ Faubion School and the university has inspired how we prepare leaders and teachers for the 21st century.”

3 to PhD aims to become a new national model in which committed partners work together with schools to ensure every student has both educational and wrap-around services needed to “pursue highest dreams,” better known as PhD.

Founding partners in 3 to PhD include: Concordia University, Faubion School, Trillium Family Services and Kaiser Permanente.

Faubion School and Concordia University have been neighbors in education for 63 years. With only 102 steps between them, collaboration and partnership increased in 2008 when LaShawn Lee became principal and envisioned Faubion as the “heartbeat of the community.” Concordia University stepped up to help by providing mentors, tutors, coaches, recess help, student teachers and more.

Then, in November 2012, voters approved the first school district capital improvement bond which partially funded the Faubion School rebuild. Concordia Universit y and its supporters are contributing an additional $15.5 million to the total cost of the $48.8 million project.

The new 138,000 square-foot-facility, and those it serves, is capturing the hearts and minds of an entire generation.

The new environmentally-friendly building includes the Concordia University College of Education; the Kaiser Permanente 3 to PhD Wellness Center; an early childhood education center; science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) and maker spaces; a food club with organic products from Pacific Foods of Oregon; access to mental and behavioral health from Trillium Family Services; and more.

Heat-related ills spoil fun

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Karen Wells, CNA Media Team

Playing outside is a must for summer. The sun feels good while having fun. Prevention measures safeguard against hot weather health problems and keep the fun going.

A child’s skin surface area is a greater percentage of their body weight compared to an adult’s, making them more at risk for hot weather problems. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are sun exposure problems that can be avoided by knowing the symptoms and taking quick action.

Heat cramps are usually felt in the arms, hands, legs, feet or shoulders. No one knows the exact reason why heat cramps happen. The universally accepted explanation is: muscles have been over worked and/or the body has lost significant fluid and is in need of rest, more fluids and salt.

Heat exhaustion is a whole-body experience, when our natural cooling system begins to shut down. Look for nausea, vomiting, skin feels clammy or cool to the touch. They may complain of headache or be cranky, irritable, or they may get really thirsty. Any combination of these symptoms are warnings your child is suffering from heat exhaustion.

Take these simple actions to avoid more serious problems:

  • Cool: get out of the sun and find shade
  • Fluids: drink cool water, lots
  • Rest: take a break in the shade to drink cool water
  • When in doubt: call your doctor for advice or further action

Alberta Park on Killingsworth Street at 22nd Avenue offers wonderful shade on hot days. Also, during the week Portland Parks and Recreation hosts Free Lunch + Play programs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Aug. 25.

Remember, our children are always watching. In the morning, suggest they wear loose fitting cotton clothing with short sleeves while you get dressed in the same. Have them take water rest breaks with you in shade.

Karen, OCCD master trainer, early childhood education, conducts health and safety trainings for parents and childcare staff via Child Care Resource and Referral of Multnomah County. She may be reached at 5CornersFamily@ gmail.com or text 619.244.7892.

Ribs cart joins 42nd Avenue restaurant row

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Tyler Bullen, CNA Media Team

James Dixon
James Dixon is no newcomer to serving up barbecue. He’s excited about the location of his new Dixon’s Rib Pit Bar-B-Que on 42nd Avenue. Photo by Tyler Bullen

Longtime Concordia resident James Dixon opened Dixon’s Rib Pit Bar-B-Que in May in the parking lot of the former Rose’s Ice Cream.

The new business marks a third newcomer to the block’s restaurant scene in the past 18 months, following Pizza Jerk and Red Sauce, which both opened in 2016.

He was excited to locate on 42nd Avenue, where he’d been eyeing what he considers the right situation for years. James is a dedicated supporter of northeast Portland’s small business scene, having owned multiple businesses – including 30 years serving barbecue.

Born in Madera, California, James arrived in Portland in 1971 after serving two years as a Marine. He viewed Portland as a complete turnaround from California’s Central Valley. “It was hot and dry there, and Portland is green, with fresh air and stuff growing.”

He began work here as a pastor, and still serves at the Broken Church of God in Christ United, as well as the jurisdictional pastor for the church in Washington state.

James bought his first restaurant at Interstate Avenue and Jarrett Street in 1989. He acquired a second location at 9th Avenue and Broadway Street, and ran both with the help of his family.

MAX construction on Interstate in 2004 changed traffic patterns on the street and prompted him to close that location in favor of one on Alberta Street, first in the Rexall Building at 24th Avenue and later in a food cart. He’s always served barbecue – beef brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs and chicken. By sticking to the basics, he aims to keep the quality of the food high.

He considers his life successful, claiming he’s accomplished nearly everything he’s wanted. His aspirations for his business on 42nd, however, aren’t fulfilled yet. James plans to move into a full cart with outdoor seating at some point, but intends to remain outside the adjacent building, which will be occupied soon by Los Pepitos Tacos.

Throughout his time in northeast Portland, James has seen many changes, but still considers Portland the ideal place to be. “You can have it the way you want to have it here, even now. If you know what you want, you can make it happen here.”

After trying lunch or dinner at Dixon’s Rib Pit Bar-B-Que, you might be lucky enough to hear one of his observations on life, like this one, “Everything that is now is a sign of the times. Nothing is going to be as it used to be, but in the end every thing is going to work out.”

Tyler and his family live in east Concordia. He serves on the Concordia Neighborhood Association Board of Directors and is vice chair of its Land Use & Transportation Committee.

CNA wants polluting oil recyclers shut down

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Garlynn Woodsong Chair, CNA LUTC

Concordia Neighborhood Association (CNA) recently expressed its concerns to Gov. Kate Brown regarding toxic air emissions from oil recycling operations near the Expo Center.

Emissions from two facilities – American Petroleum Environmental Services (APES) and Oil Re-Refining Co. (ORRCO) – are hazardous to human health, according to a June 27 feature in the Portland Tribune.

CNA requested the governor halt the operations of both facilities immediately.

Although recycling used motor oil is a worthy cause, operation of an industrial facility for this purpose cannot come at the expense of public health – regardless of its positive economic impact. Businesses and jobs are replaceable. Human lives are not.

According to the Tribune, a draft permit is currently under review for APES that may allow the emission into the local air shed of as many as 11 pollutants that could cause cancer: arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, nickel, ethylbenzene, formaldehyde, naphthalene and possibly hexavalent chromium.

The draft permit apparently would allow burning of waste oil containing small amounts of chromium, arsenic, lead, cadmium, PCBs, and a category of chlorinated chemicals known as halogens. Burned together, PCBs and halogens produce a catalytic reaction that potentially results in the release of dioxin (and/or dioxin-like compounds), PCBs and benzene. According to a source quoted by the Tribune, “A peanut butter jar full of dioxin would be enough to kill the entire planet.”

Further, the draft permit would apparently allow the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) at more than 10 times the typical concentration emitted by oil refineries across the country. It would also allow the release of up to 255 grams of chromium per year, of which roughly half is estimated to be in the form of hexavalent chromium.

The California Air Resources Board calculates that annual release of 2 grams of that can cause an extra 10 cancers per million people over 70 years. The 125-plus grams of hexavalent chromium the permit would allow – multiplied by the permit’s five years – would result in the emission of up to 625 grams, which could result in more than 3,125 additional cases of cancer here over 70 years. This is from the operations at just one of these two facilities.

CNA has urged the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to deny this permit until such time as the applicants develop operations plans and air quality controls to ensure there is absolutely no potential for ill-health-related side effects.

To guarantee this outcome, CNA demands that no permit be issued until an independent investigation into emissions from APES is completed, the results are analyzed, and an analysis is shared with the community.

CNA requested the governor to:

  • Issue an immediate cease and desist order for both APES and ORRCO
  • Require DEQ not to issue a permit until an independent investigation of emissions has occurred • Initiate an independent investigation of Oregon’s DEQ to determine
    • Why DEQ is allowing dioxin and hexavalent chromium to be emitted into a residential area
    • Who was responsible for allowing the removal of the thermal oxidizers in 2006
  • Require DEQ to issue a citation for the past 11 years of violations related to operations without valid permits The CNA Board of Directors takes this matter very seriously.

It will continue to work with other neighborhoods and community organizations to protect the health of this community.

UPDATED: National Night Out – Friday, Aug. 4

Posted on by Posted in CNA, Events, Family

CNA’S BICYCLE & PED PARADE ON AUGUST 4th is CANCELLED but THE NNO CELEBRATION WILL GO ON THAT EVENING WITH A FREE CONCERT & MOVIE IN FERNHILL PARK! 

CNA’s National Night Out Parade has been cancelled due to the extreme heat, but as the temperatures start declining on the evening of August 4th, please join us at FERNHILL PARK for a night of traditional Afro-Mexican folk music, song, and zapateado (percussive dance) by COLECTIVO SON JAROCHO DE PORTLAND from 6:30 to 8:15 PM. 

Then stay at the park and beat the heat with a cool nighttime showing of THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (Subtítulos en Español) at SUNDOWN sponsored by ROSE CITY MORTGAGE & your CNA!

There will be fun activities at the park, including:

  • Children’s Art Activities by COLLAGE
  • Balloon Animals & Hats
  • Henna Tattoos
  • Firetruck to Explore with Local Firefighters

There will be FREE popcorn, popsicles, and water for all! Bring a picnic dinner or buy a meal from one of our 4 food vendors!

Bring a blanket, or low-back concert chair, relax in the hopefully cool breeze and enjoy the show!

American Legion Post 134 to provide Cooling Center this week

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness

With temperatures expected to reach record-breaking highs this week, the AMERICAN LEGION POST 134 at 2104 NE ALBERTA ST. is providing a COOLING CENTER to help senior citizens, people with disabilities and people with other health conditions stay safe.

The Cooling Center at the American Legion will open August 1, at 10:30 a.m. and will stay open until at least Friday.

Pets and children are welcome at the Legion. Air conditioning, water, electrolyte drinks and first aid will be provided. Medical Personnel will be available on-site.

The American Legion staff would appreciate donated supplies, such as ice packs, coolers, and powdered Gatorade.

If you have questions about the cooling center or about donation of supplies, please call the American Legion at 503-284-7272.

For more information and a list of other cooling centers in the area, visit: multco.us/multnomah-county/cooling-centers-open-multnomah-county-tuesday-aug-1.

Have a Passion for Writing?

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

Concordia News needs people who:

  • Have a knack with the written word
  • Want to practice and/or hone their writing skills
  • Like talking to people who are helping keep Concordia the greatest neighborhood in Portland
  • Want to contribute a few hours a month to keeping neighbors informed about what is – and maybe isn’t – happening here

If that describes you, consider this an invitation. We want you to write about topics that speak to the diverse interests of members of the Concordia neighborhood.

Stories fit for print encompass myriad truly local topics. (We leave national coverage to CNN, statewide to The Oregonian and citywide to the Portland Tribune.) Here’s a sampling of what we publish:

  • New businesses
  • Development
  • Art
  • History
  • Culture
  • Environment
  • Issues affecting seniors, parents, children and families
  • Schools
  • Events

Interested? Email CNewsEditor@ConcordiaPDX.org today!

23rd Annual Columbia Slough Regatta

Posted on by Posted in Events, Health and Wellness

Sunday August 06, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Join our on-the-water festival and celebrate the Columbia Slough!

At this year’s Regatta, over 500 people will have the opportunity to rent a canoe or kayak from the Council (free of cost) to explore and learn more about this special hidden gem.  Despite the name, the Columbia Slough Regatta is not actually a race, but more of a leisurely wildlife-watching group paddle. The event celebrates the watershed with fun and free activities for community members to develop connections with nature and neighborhood resources.

For more information and to register, visit: columbiaslough.org/events/event/248/

Ask the Historian: There’s no sign of Old Vernon there

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, History

By Doug Decker, Historian

The original Vernon School was destroyed by fire in 1932. This circa 1912 view of the school’s south side is looking north-northwest. The main entrance was on the north side in the center. Photo courtesy of the Oregon Historical Society
The original Vernon School was destroyed by fire in 1932. This circa 1912 view of the
school’s south side is looking north-northwest. The main entrance was on the north side in
the center. Photo courtesy of the Oregon Historical Society

The question:

I’ve heard there was an old school just south of Alberta Street at 22nd Avenue. What’s the story?
– Luke Griffin

The historian reports:

Yes indeed. You probably k now the vicinity of the old Vernon school south of Alberta Street. But you pr obably ne ver knew it was there, occupying all of the block bounded by 22nd and 23rd avenues between Going and Wygant streets.

Old Vernon was a giant, imposing four-story wood frame building that commanded the center of the block with its main doors facing north. Periodic construction added space over the years, eventually filled out at 17 classrooms in the main building, and several outbuildings for shop, cooking and a play shed. It was a big place.

Old Vernon opened Sept. 15, 1908, with 324 students, many of whom were exports from Highland School (today’s Martin Luther King Jr. School at 6th Avenue and Wygant Street), which had overflowed with more than 700 students.

By 1909, The Oregonian reported Vernon itself was already crowded and plans were being made to add a covered play shed, three portables and a manual training (shop) building.

By 1914 the block was a small campus of four buildings, bulging at the seams with new students. Enrollment ballooned to more than 800 students by the late teens. Meanwhile, plans were being made to build other nearby schools to take the pressure off and create closer-to-home options for local youngsters. Kennedy School on 33rd Avenue was opened in 1915 as part of this push.

By the mid 1920s, trends in school construction, safety and changing demographics were shaping the next generation of area schools. Disastrous school fires in other cities had galvanized the national building codes community – and Portland mayor Harry Lane – into calling for “fireproof” buildings.

In 1926, the Portland School Board voted to close Old Vernon and build a new school on the site we know today at 20th Avenue and Killingsworth Street. This was not a popular move in the community, and required the school board to acquire and raze more than two dozen houses at the new site.

The cornerstone on the new building was set June 6, 1932. A week later, when school ended for the year, Old Vernon closed for the last time.

A few weeks later, Aug. 14, an arsonist set fire to the old school building, lighting up the sky for miles around and bringing the building’s life to an end. The site was cleared and sold to developers who began building houses on the block in the early 1940s.

You’ll notice how house styles on that block are all later than those across the street. Now you know why.

For more information and photos of Old Vernon and several of the nearby houses that were part of the school operation, check out Doug’s website at AlamedaHistory.org and search for “Old Vernon.”

Do you have a question for the neighborhood historian? We love solving mysteries. Contact CNewsEditor@ConcordiaPDX.org with your question, and we’ll ask Doug Decker to do some sleuthing.

Move to 42nd made the difference in business

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Nancy Varekamp, CNews Editor

Cedric Burton, left, and Aaron Peterson couldn’t be happier with the welcome they’ve received at their fish and chips restaurant’s new location on 42nd Avenue.
Cedric Burton, left, and Aaron Peterson couldn’t be happier with the welcome they’ve
received at their fish and chips restaurant’s new location on 42nd Avenue.

One year operating a fish and chips shop on Alberta Street convinced Aaron Peterson and Cedric Burton their concept was great, but the location wasn’t. It took another year to secure the new location at 5302 N.E. 42nd, and the move in April has paid off.

Renamed 42nd Avenue Fish & Chips, the restaurant has increased business by 75 percent and boasts an appreciative following, Aaron said.

“They couldn’t find us on Alberta,” he pointed out. Crowded sidewalks and limited parking worked against them.

Recommendations, a parking lot and A-frame signs at Killingsworth drive new customers to the new location between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week. “We plan to be here for 10 years or more,” Aaron added.

One of the differences they’ve noticed at the new location is ethnicity. Aaron estimates half the customers now are people of color and the other half are white. On Alberta the ratio was 75:25.

But there’s one thing they all have in common. “They sit down, eat and give us high praises,” Cedric pointed out. Praises also come online from customers who take their food to go, and others who order delivery through Grubhook.

“We’re pretty proud of the 5-star ratings we have on Facebook, Yelp and Yahoo,” Aaron added.

Fish choices are cod, catfish, tilapia and basa. The latter is a low-fat Asian fish. “Most people haven’t heard of it,” Cedric said. “But when you taste it, you fall in love.”

The basa and cod are the restaurant’s top sellers, and Aaron’s fish-on-a-stick appeals to people who want to eat on the run. It’s the fish version of a corndog – hold the mustard.

All fish is fried in a gluten-free, cornmeal-based batter with Southern seasoning. It’s the recipe of Aaron’s mother.

“Down South, we always cooked like that,” Cedric reported. He’s originally from Selma, Alabama. Aaron is from Los Angeles.

The two met as students at Adams High School, which stood only a block away from their new enterprise. They spent 30 years in separate careers. Aaron owned a newspaper, grocery store and barber shop, and he worked in a funeral home and as a band promoter. Cedric worked for Pendleton Woolen Mills.

“Owning a restaurant is a blessing, especially when people like your food,” Aaron pointed out. “What more could anyone ask for? It’s an American dream.”