Concordia Neighborhood Association | Portland, Oregon

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.”

Local churches participate in Sanctuary Movement

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Karen Wells – CNA Media Team

Two local Protestant churches are demonstrating their support for immigrants and refugees.

Concordia’s Ainsworth United Church of Christ (AUCC) has a long history of involvement in social justice work. This includes being active in the Sanctuary Movement, a national initiative sparked by the current political climate of accelerated attempts to detain and/or deport undocumented immigrants/workers.

Pastor Lynne Smouse Lopez was at the helm of AUCC in 2007 during the north Portland Fresh Del Monte Produce packing plant immigration raids. She and her congregation took action then to assist affected immigrant families.

They are back in action for the latest affront to the security of immigrant families and their children, according to the pastor.

AUCC was the first church in Oregon to engage with the Sanctuary Movement, which counts at least 800 congregations and 18 coalitions nationally. To date, 16 congregations, in nine major cities have provided or offered sanctuary to affected immigrants and their families.

Augustana Lutheran in nearby Irvington neighborhood sponsored a February news conference about sanctuary and deportation. Fifteen local immigrant rights/advocacy groups shared stories of how the latest wave of actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have affected families and children.

The 100-plus community members, congregants and local media heard stories of children who are afraid to go to school for fear of returning home to an empty house if their parents are detained unexpectedly by ICE. Participants also heard that, because of the fear of ICE, many in need of food or medicine are going without.

Sanctuary Movement details

These resources can help you learn more about the Sanctuary Movement and/or step up to help:

Attention Neighbors of the Portland International Airport

Posted on by Posted in Events, Land Use & Transportation

The Oregon Air National Guard (OANG) and the Port of Portland will co-host a community “Fly Day” on July 8, 2017 at Helensview High School and you’re invited!

The intent of the Fly Day is to demonstrate the ground track and flight profile of the Continuous Descent Overhead Approach flown by 142nd Fighter Wing aircraft, as well as to answer any questions about this expanded procedure.

The Fly Day event is scheduled for July 8, 2017 from 1PM to 3PM. at

Helensview High School

8678 NE Sumner St, Portland, OR 97220

In the event that the winds and weather necessitate an easterly traffic flow, the location will be moved to the Columbia Children’s Arboretum.

Columbia Children’s Arboretum

10040 NE 6th Dr. Portland, OR 97211

A booth will be set-up at the Helensview school on the afternoon of the event to provide updated information.

For more information about the Continuous Descent Overhead Approach procedure follow the link below:

https://popcdn.azureedge.net/pdfs/Continuous%20Descent%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

For any other questions contact:
Port of Portland – Noise Management Department
Phone: 503.460.4100 (Oregon) / 800.938.6647 (Washington)
E-mail: pdxnoise@portofportland.com
Web: http://www.portofportland.com/Noise_Mgmt_Home.aspx

Safe Routes to Groceries

Posted on by Posted in Events, Health and Wellness

Safe Routes to Groceries event
on July 15th
at New Seasons Market Concordia
on 5320 NE 33rd Ave. in Portland, OR.

This is a celebration of bicycling to get groceries. This is an alternative to driving to the store. We know that half of automobile trips are 3 miles or less and we want people to consider the sustainability aspect of bicycling to bring home fresh food in a convenient and sage manner.

The event will provide

  • Free white plastic buckets for rear rack panniers (& will help affix them to the bikes!)
  • We will be featuring Bicycle ambassadors from Portland Bureau of Transportation helping people find their best low volume streets from home to fresh food.
  • Queen Bee and North Street Bags showing off beautiful panniers for carrying groceries in style.
  • Cosmo spaghetti sauce samples.
  • Grand Central Bakery goodies
  • Cat Six Bicycle store will be on hand to evaluate bicycles and offer a discount for tune up/repair.
  • Cat Six and Clever Cycles will be showing bicycles built for carrying groceries and kids

Raffle to win a pair of North Street Panniers.

This is a first for Portland. New Seasons is taking on this campaign to help people use the Bicycle Boulevards in order to get groceries in a sustainable manner.

For more information, visit PBOT Events Calendar or Every1Bikes.

Sanctuary goes (way) beyond church walls

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

By Nancy Varekamp – CNews Editor

More than 200 people attended last month’s Know Your Rights Forum sponsored by St. Andrew Catholic Church. Education is a cornerstone of the parish’s efforts as a sanctuary church. Photo courtesy of St. Andrew Catholic Church

“Sanctuary is much more than providing a physical space for someone at risk of deportation,” reads the website of nearby St. Andrew Catholic Church. “It is a strategy and set of actions for faith communities, faith-based organizations, and people of conscience.”

The parish takes that statement seriously, according to Diana R. a parishioner active in the movement to support Latino parishioners.

“St. Andrew is very into social justice, so immigration has always been an issue we’ve been involved with,” she said. “When new things started happening, we wanted to make sure the whole parish is into it, and really knowing that we are a sanctuary parish. We’re exploring several aspects.”

Last month’s “Know Your Rights” forum drew 200 people to hear from attorneys and role play various potential scenarios.

A training session for rapid responders in March included 200 volunteers willing to help families in their communities. “We agreed to form friend-families, undocumented persons buddying with citizens to have someone to call in an emergency,” Diana said.

The January “Sanctuary Assembly” also drew a crowd.

Due to space, the church building at 806 N.E. Alberta St. likely won’t serve as a physical sanctuary, unless is absolutely necessary. Instead, parishioners are offering their homes. “They know the legal risk, and many are willing to go all the way,” Diana said.

The parish works with Metropolitan Alliance for the Common Good, and there’s no limit to the preparations. “Nothing has actually happened with our parishioners yet, so we really don’t know how ready we are to respond in a case,” Diana pointed out.

“One of the things that is coming out of all of this is parishioners understanding we are more like each other than different. We are part of a community that shares a lot of values.

“What moves your world is when something happens.”

The old is made new by local upcycling pro

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Local Businesses

By Carrie Wenninger – CNA Media Team

Upcycler Mari Bartoo Jacobson
You’re likely to run into Mari Bartoo Jacobson Saturday – Sunday, June 23 -25 during the Concordia Neighborhood Association Annual Yard Sale. Her business embodies the adage, “One person’s garbage is another’s treasure.” The upcycler uses others’ castoffs to create works of art.

Local crafter and ingenious upcycler Mari Bartoo Jacobson of The Make House’s Rutabaga Redesign is preparing to shop the June 23 – 25 Concordia Neighborhood Association Annual Yard Sale. She’ll be looking for inspiring objects, doodads and diamonds in the rough.

What’s upcycling? It’s the process of bringing new, useful and often beautiful life to old, discarded materials. It’s the embodiment of the idea that “One person’s garbage is another’s treasure.”

Q: Why do you do what you do?
A: I‘ve always been keenly aware of our often ugly impact on the environment around us while, at the same time being deeply enamored of the beauty we can bring to light. I endeavor to turn what would otherwise become part of a landfill into something new and interesting. I also love the challenge of uncovering the loveliness of old, grungy metals and woods. Sometimes you really have to look. It’s a lot like finding buried treasure.

Q: How did you become interested in upcycling?
A: My dad was a carpenter when I was young, and I remember always feeling empowered to build things: tree houses, a rubber band gun, a marimba – those are a few of the things I built with my dad. In my family there was a lot of emphasis placed on “walking lightly on the earth.” So what I do now feels like a beautiful outgrowth of those opportunities and values I was given growing up.

Q: Where do you do your work?
A: I have a workshop space in The Make House at 1732 N.E. Alberta St. Six other artists and I have workspace in the building, and I also curate a retail space on the main floor called Rutabaga Redesign. My shop features local, handcrafted work from over 50 different artists and craftspeople, myself included.

Q: Explain the name.
A: Rutabaga Redesign is the name simply because I really like how it rolls off the tongue. Say it out loud. Isn’t that fun?

Carrie is a Concordia resident and lives on 29th Avenue. As a freelance writer with a penchant for poetic prose, she tries to look for the humor in everyday life. She also is a mom and world traveler who, with her partner, owns a company that restores and repurposes vintage homes. Contact her at WurdGurl@gmail.com.

CNA Stands Against Hate

Posted on by Posted in CNA

In light of recent events in our city – and rising racial, cultural and faith-based tensions across our country – the Concordia Neighborhood Association (CNA) reiterates our commitment to fostering a strong and safe neighborhood.

We cannot rely on legislation alone to eliminate hate from our world. Instead, resistance must come from the bottom up, from within our own communities.

We agree with the recent statement from our Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods, which “strongly encourages all our neighbors, friends we know and those we have not met yet, to stand in solidarity with marginalized and vulnerable communities and individuals. Find ways to get trained in ‘bystander intervention,’ and ‘disrupting racism’ trainings.

“Get to know all your neighbors, even those who may be different from you, as your neighbors are your greatest assets in our ability to create resilience and safety during challenging times.”

We may have a history of challenging racial relations, and are in the midst of a period of growth and sometimes uncomfortable change. However, we believe Portland today will stand together against hate, and our community will not tolerate fear tactics and intimidation.

The CNA board of directors has changed our board meeting time and date so we no longer conflict with RACE TALKS, held on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning at 6 p.m. at McMenamins Kennedy School.

We invite our neighbors to join us at Race Talks for important conversations. The July 11 event topic is “Protecting Yourself Physically and Emotionally in Trying Times.”

Standing united in amity and peace,

Your CNA Board of Directors

Chris Lopez, Chair
Daniel Greenstadt, Vice-chair
Heather Pashley, Treasurer
Steve Elder, Secretary
Ali Novak
Amelie Marian
Donn Dennis
Garlynn Woodsong
Isham ‘Ike’ Harris
Jody Pollak
Robert Bowles
Truls Neal
Tyler Bullen

2017 Juneteenth Oregon Celebration

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News

2017 Juneteenth Oregon Celebration Commemorates the 152nd Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation

Date: June 17, 2017
Parade start time: 10:45am

“Bringing our Community Back 2 Life”

Portland, Oregon ~ The Juneteenth Oregon Committee invites you to attend our Annual Juneteenth Oregon Celebration and our Annual “Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

The parade will start off at Safeway parking lot located 5920 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211 and go South on MLK and go along MLK until Russell where it will go West ending at the Juneteenth Oregon Celebration at the Legacy Emanuel Field located NE
Graham & Vancouver. The parade will start at 10:45 AM and the Festival will start immediately following the parade at around Noon ending at 6:00 PM.

Juneteenth Celebration activities include:

  • The Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade Alan Bell the owner of Hana’s Snowballs located on Beech and MLK as the Grand Marshall, The Ebony Strutters, Miss Black Oregon Talented Teen, Community Churches, Groups, Clubs and Community Organizations.
  • Live Bands & Local Artists featuring Randy Starr, 5 Grand and other local artists.
  • Food Vendors
  • Local Retail Vendors
  • Children’s area

This is a Community Event and is Free to EVERYONE and we mean EVERYONE!
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration among African Americans across the country commemorating the announcement of the end of slavery in the United States. It has been an African American tradition since the late 19th Century.

The relationship between Juneteenth Oregon and the City dates back to 1945, when Clara Peoples from Muskogee, OK while working in the shipyards during a lunch break on Juneteenth asked fellow co-workers if they knew about Juneteenth and the answer was no. She
then turned to her supervisor and asked if they could be allowed to celebrate Juneteenth during their 15-minute break and it was approved. Since then, Juneteenth has been celebrated in Portland, Oregon along with a parade that was recently named The Clara Peoples Freedom
Trail Parade.

Why is Juneteenth so important?
It gives African-Americans (and indeed everyone living in America) a sense of togetherness. You don’t have to be African-American to join in celebrating the anniversary of the end of slavery. Everyone is invited to celebrate this important day in black history. This year’s theme is “bringing our community back 2 life” for 2017. We can start by coming together to learn more about our culture and what we can do as a community to educate our youth, empower our youth, love and respect one another. Juneteenth is a celebration of African American’s freedom, but it opens the door for so many other community opportunities.

This year Juneteenth Oregon will be solely operating on donations for this community event. This includes vendors. We are making this actually a free event for everyone in the community to attend, network, learn, and celebrate African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten.

If anyone would like to make a donation towards Juneteenth Oregon Celebration 2017 , visit GoFundMe page here.

Juneteenth Oregon Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/juneteenthoregon15/

Juneteenth Oregon website
www.juneteenthor.com

Pedalpalooza offers 230 rides

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Events

By Riley O’Boyle – CNA Media Team

Erinne Goodell and Kirk Paulsen bike riding
Erinne Goodell and Kirk Paulsen enjoy a variety of bike rides during every June’s Pedalpalooza. This year they’ll lead one of northeast Portland’s alleys, including some in Concordia. Photo by Chris Baker

Riding bare as you dare in a sea of other naked bike riders happens once every June during Pedalpalooza. The World Naked Bike Ride highlights the importance and vulnerability of people on bikes in the U.S. oil-centric culture.

The June 24 event – which begins this year at Fernhill Park –is also the biggest event of more than 230 free organized bike rides held during Portland’s month-long Pedalpalooza, an annual family-friendly celebration of bicycle delight.

In fact, the Concordia neighborhood is featured in a June 18 ride led by neighborhood residents Kirk Paulsen and Erinne Goodell, exploring the back alleys of northeast Portland.

“Something important to know going into Pedalpalooza, is that you’ll likely rest as much as you ride.” Kirk explained. “Many rides operate on ‘bike time,’ where the rides don’t usually start until 15 minutes or more after the scheduled time of departure.”

“Of course there are rides led by local bike shops and organizations that operate strictly on schedule,” Erinne added. “But generally, there’s as much socializing as bicycling to be found.”

Like the rides planned by Erinne and Kirk, all of Pedalpalooza’s themed rides are organized by individuals throughout the Portland and Vancouver metro areas. Find the schedule on Pedalpalooza.org.

There are fast rides and slow rides, costumed rides, and rides that involve plenty of noise and bright lights. Some show off specialized bikes, like folding or cargo bikes, and others dare people to get lost in the city at midnight.

Some teach how to maintain bikes, or to advocate for safer streets. BikeLoudPDX, a local grassroots advocacy group, leads advocacy and protest rides, like demonstrating against widening I-5 near the Rose Quarter.

Pedalpalooza started in 2003 as an offshoot of Bike Summer, during which Portland adopted its own version of the World Naked Bike Ride. Both were organized, international events similar to Critical Mass, in which people on bikes rode together through city streets to bring attention to the need for safe bicycle lanes and parking, and to celebrate the joy of biking.

Pedalpalooza is now facilitated by shift, a grassroots, volunteer-led, bikefun community formed during Bike Summer. Members strive to demonstrate the value of bicycling through activities that are fun, free, inclusive and, in this case, great for kicking off summer.

Riley, certified EIT, works in land development and site engineering, and can be reached at RSOboyle13@gmail.com

Dining Out for Life

Posted on by Posted in Concordia News, Events
HIV Day Care Center volunteer George (left) and social work intern Tate review orders while preparing breakfast for clients. The center is one of two agencies in the Portland area – and one of 60 on the continent – to receive funding from Dining Out for Life on Thursday, April 27. Photo by Marcus Murray

Dining Out for Life (in Concordia)

Thursday, April 27

Dine out at one of seven Concordia restaurants Thursday, April 27, and you can make a difference in the lives of people with HIV and AIDS.

The businesses are among 35 restaurants in Portland and 3,000 across North America donating a portion of their April 27 proceeds to Dining Out for Life. That nonprofit organization distributes the funds to 60 outstanding HIV/AIDS service organizations, including two in Portland.

One is Concordia’s own HIV Day Center and the other is Partnership Project.

The seven closest restaurants are:

  • Bison Coffeehouse
  • Extracto Coffeehouse
  • Extracto Roastery & Coffeehouse
  • McMenamins Kennedy School Courtyard Restaurant
  • P & Q’s Market
  • Peter’s Bar & Grill
  • Red Sauce Pizza

Portland is in its ninth year participating in nonprofit Dining Out for Life which, across North America, raises about $4 million each year.