Monday, February 20th, 2017
5:15 PM – 6:45 PM
Kennedy School Community Room
Agenda:
- Begin Planning for Spring Egg Hunt scheduled for April 15
- Discuss Fundraising Strategy for Concerts/Movie in Fernhill Park
- Elect Social Committee Chair for 2017
2016 was quite a year; let’s top that in 2017
By Daniel Greenstadt – Concordia Neighborhood Association Board Member
It seems that breaking with political and social norms has become an American trend lately, and your neighborhood association is keeping up with the times. So, beginning with this issue of Concordia News, we’re casting tradition aside and turning “Chair’s Corner” into “CNA Voices” where, instead of hearing only from the chair, we’ll offer the perspectives of Concordia Neighborhood Association (CNA) board and committee members.
CNA is led by many dedicated souls who show up to lead the board and to staff and support the various committees, where the real work gets done. Together with you – residents of Portland’s greatest neighborhood – we’re building a better community.
And just how much better? Well, the dawn of a new year calls for a quick review of 2016 accomplishments so we can be sure to outdo ourselves in 2017. Here are some of CNA’s community-building events:
- Spring Egg Hunt – Combine 7,000 handstuffed eggs and more than 300 children, and you get 10 minutes of the best kind of pandemonium! CNA partnered with American Legion Post 134 for this smashing success.
- Neighbor Cleanup – We netted $1,998 for CNA community programs.
- Sunday Parkways – CNA volunteers distributed 720 energy bars and gallons of water to hungry and thirsty cyclists, walkers and skaters. • Concerts in the Park – Bankrolled local business and community sponsors — and staffed and supported by CNA volunteers — we gathered some giant crowds at Fernhill Park to hear some of the best entertainment Portland offers.
- National Night Out – It featured a great children’s parade – complete with police escort – and the season’s final park concert.
- December holiday party – The food was fantastic at the HUGE party, children’s choirs were heavenly, the band was loud and attendees paid with nothing but their presence and some much needed food donations to Concordia Backpack Lunch Program. Thanks again to Cerimon House for the amazing venue.
- McMenamins Kennedy School Community Room – We earned a whopping $18,000 in rentals for CNA to reinvest in the community.
- Concordia News – We’re covering more issues, staying on schedule, reaching more people and continuing to invest in building CNews into the best neighborhood paper in the city. Our web and Facebook page made great strides too.
- Land Use & Transportation Committee – The group continues its amazing work on a wide range of topics deeply impacting life here.
- Open letter – One of the last actions of the board in 2016 was the letter you’ll see on the facing page. We want Concordia residents to feel safe and welcome here, and that’s something that requires “a village” to make happen.
Can we top all that in 2017? Let’s!
People assure support for others
By Nancy Varekamp, CNews Editor
Editor’s note: The February 2017 CNews published a short report on how increased tensions in a divisive political climate are being experienced in Concordia. Unfortunately, a short newspaper story cannot offer many details. This is a longer version of that printed story but – to repurpose a phrase – it isn’t “the rest of the story.”
Increased tensions across the country are causing people to think about how they relate to each other, even here in Concordia.
That’s why the Concordia Neighborhood Association Board of Directors wrote a letter of support to community members. People from across Portland are talking more about how to support each other, and parents find themselves tackling tough subjects with their children.
“You should’ve known we’ve got your back. It’s should’ve already been out there,” Ben Preacher tells his customers and friends. The Wilder Bar & Café publican believes people in the community have always supported each other and will help if anyone feels marginalized or that their safety is threatened.
“In America, it’s impolite to speak of politics and religion,” Ben has learned in his six years in Portland. That’s the opposite of his native Ireland. He encourages his customers and friends to keep talking, and to join him engaging in political and social action.
Customer and friend James Armstrong agrees. “We live in this progressive bubble out here and there’s a significant part of the country we don’t relate to.” He said he’s nervous about changes to come in social service and health policies, and he’s looking for ways he can make a difference.
Complex issues aren’t new to him as president of Alberta Main Street. “In recent years, we’ve been heavily focused on what lots of Portland is focused on – equity,” he said. “Living in a gentrified community, acknowledging the faults of the past is not enough. We’re making it clear that moving forward, our organization is an ally to the entire community.”
Co-owner of Alberta Eye Care, he also keeps pulse on healthcare issues. “There’s a huge unknown there. Already, in recent years, our patients have been paying increasing premiums with higher deductibles and fewer options.”
He’s concerned that won’t ebb.
Children have fears too, according to Claire LaPoma Faubion Elementary School counselor and Trillium Family Services therapist. Children – and parents – have her ear and her shoulder daily.
Children are like sponges, according to her, and they pick up on their parents’ concerns – and on their calmness. “The bigger picture stuff can feel pretty heavy to adults and to kiddos,” she said. “As adults, we have fully-cooked brains, reason and life experience to find our own sources of resiliency.
“For kiddos, their developmental level can make it challenging to cope with change.” According to Claire, the bigger picture can overwhelm them
She encourages tackling their concerns and fears as a family. (See the formula Claire calls SELF to help direct family discussions.)
“Bring it home,” Claire said. “I urge parents and children to talk about what they can do within their families and the communities to maintain a sense of safety.”
Talking can be therapeutic – and it can lead to action.
“We’ve always wanted to be known as the place you can talk about things,” Ben said of his neighborhood meeting place. And that was made evident by the dramatic shift in business in November. Neighbors sharing concerns and opinions filled Wilder.
There’s already a somewhat formal start on sharing concerns on a citywide basis. A meeting in late November – dubbed “What Now?” – drew hundreds of people. Several human resources agencies in attendance reached out to individuals and other groups for volunteers, advocates and support.
“There was this massive momentum, with all of us like-minded people sharing our frustrations and our hope,” Ben said. “It was a strategic planning meeting for strategic planning.”
It may be too soon – in what’s been described as a divisive climate – for specific action to assure the safety of marginalized populations, healthcare and other issues on the political horizon.
James, already active in local political issues, is keeping tabs on opportunities to help make a difference. “It’s a little bit of a no man’s land right now, with the accusations of Russia hacking the election and the country’s leaders being named.
Watching, listening, talking – and caring for each other – are the frontrunners to action, James said. “Getting together to make things better by tackling difficult, complex issues require people from all backgrounds.”
Beneficial Insects Workshop
Beneficial insects work around the clock to protect your garden from pests. Meet the diverse cast of predators that provide free pest control, discover plant types and management practices that provide food, water, and shelter to attract and sustain beneficial insects that help your garden thrive.
Register online at: www.emswcd.org/workshops
Date: Wednesday, March 15
Time: 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Location: McMenamin’s Kennedy School, Community Room – 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland
Cost: FREE
For more information call 503-222-7645
Download the flyer (pdf)
Here’s the DIY process to battle demolition
By Steve Elder, CNA Media Team
It started when neighbors of a house on 35th Avenue got notice that a development group had applied to demolish the house.
A permit is issued in 35 days if no one appeals. There is a $1,318 filing fee to apply for delay unless a neighborhood association seeks a waiver. Concordia Neighborhood Association Board members unanimously went along, and a neighbor, Tricia, signed as appellant to seek the delay.
You must closely follow the rules to successfully pursue a demolition delay. Start by reading the appeal application carefully. Read the guide by Restore Oregon and Portland Bureau of Development Services. Attend a hearing or listen to an online recording of a previous hearing.
There are four requirements for a successful delay appeal, which must be met or the appeal will be denied without a hearing.
- Notify all permit applicants by certified mail. Ask for a meeting. Keep copies for the appeal.
- Show the property’s significance. This was tricky. The target looked ordinary but was affordable by first time homebuyers.
- Describe a plan to save the house. The target was ready for occupancy – maybe remodel the kitchen or add an auxiliary dwelling unit.
- Show you can afford to buy the house. The sale to the developer was not recorded, so Tricia had to guess the price. She used the tax value plus an estimate for a kitchen remodel and ADU. Tricia is an investor and showed she could borrow against of the value of her property on short notice for enough to buy and improve the target house.
If your written appeal meets the four criteria, a hearing date is set. In this case, the hearings officer was polite, but very firm. Your hearings officer may only consider the four core issues, and courtroom procedure is followed. In this case, the developer didn’t object, so Tricia’s evidence was accepted by default.
She won the delay, so no permit could be issued for 60 days. The ostensible purpose of the delay is to let parties seek an alternative to demolition, but the developer isn’t required to negotiate.
Editor’s note: This is the first in a CNews series of stories about local housing challenges and solutions. If you have ideas for future installments, send them to CNewsEditor@Concordia.org.
Water isn’t the only risk for lead poisoning
By Nancy Varekamp, CNews Editor
Last spring’s reports about lead in the water at local schools heightened awareness about lead poisoning risks.
But exposure from lead solder in home plumbing systems is more likely to appear in homes built after 1970. The threat in the older housing stock in Concordia – and an estimated 80 percent of Multnomah County – is from lead-based paint that wasn’t banned until 1978.
“Homes built before 1940 have a 90 percent chance of containing lead-based paint,” estimated Sherrie Pelsma, Community Energy Project (CEP) program director. The nonprofit organizations works to empower people to maintain healthier, more livable homes.
CEP offers workshops year round to help Portland-area residents understand the risks and reduce of lead exposure.
Children from the womb to age 6 are especially vulnerable because lead in the blood can affect brain development. Recent studies concluded lead-related cognitive decadence in children can lead to:
- Brain and nerve damage
- Learning disabilities
- Behavior and/or attention deficit disorders
- Organ, blood, muscle and/or bone damage
- Hearing loss
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 535,000 of the country’s children ages 1-5 have lead poisoning. Blood tests are recommended for children ages 6 to 12 months and again at 24 months.
Lead settles anywhere
According to Pelsma, lead dust – from paint and even gasoline fumes prior to 1986 – can settle anywhere. From paint, that’s most likely below a roof’s drip line, and from gas fumes it’s in gardens near street curbs. In the soil, lead never breaks down.
Newer paint wears through at points of friction, like double-hung windows. Even mini blinds manufactured before 1997 contain lead and shed the dust as they deteriorate.
“Lead that is inhaled, is absorbed at 100 percent strength by children and adults,” Pelsma said. “If consumed – in foods or liquids – adults absorb 10 percent and children 50.
“The only way to be sure of recent lead exposure is to have your blood tested.”
Lead workshops abound
CEP delivers about 80 “Lead 101” workshops per year and 15 “Lead-Safe Home Projects” sessions for do-it-yourself remodelers. (Workshops open to the public can be found on the events calendar.)
They cover much more than lead poisoning risks. They feature detection, prevention, and basic lead-safe work practices. They also introduce the several organizations that partner to help residents and businesses mitigate hazards.
Check back with CNews next month for details on tips and services to help you curb lead in your home.
Here’s help for you and your home
Community Energy Project
503.284.6827
Multnomah County Health Department
503.988.4000
Oregon Health Authority
971-673-0440
Portland Water Bureau
503-823-1547
Share the story of your life
Alberta Main Street’s Equitable Placemaking Historical Marker Outreach Project is seeking stories that document the history of the African American community on Alberta Street.
Stories will be included on the Alberta Main Street website, and selected stories will be the basis of historical and cultural markers on Alberta Street between 10th and 31st avenues.
If your story is selected for a historical marker on Alberta Street, you will receive a $500 stipend to participate in the marker design process.
Business owners, residents, and visitors are all invited to submit stories. You may submit a written story, photographs or other documents: on AlbertaMainSt.org, send them to Stories@AlbertaMainSt.org or 1722 N.E. Alberta St., 97211. All stories require a signed Life History Form and Informed Consent and Copyright Permission Form, available at AlbertaMainSt.org.
Oral Histories may be recorded at a Wednesday, Nov.9, community meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Cerimon House, 5131 N.E. 23rd Ave. RSVPs may be made at AlbertaMainSt.org. Other oral histories may be uploaded electronically at AlbertaMainSt.org or by scheduling an appointment by calling 503.683.3252, ext. 2.
For details and/or to ask questions, Kenya Budd, Alberta Main Street Equity and Engagement coordinator, may be reached at that phone number and at Kenya@AlbertaMainSt.org.
Contributed by Alberta Main Street
The Rainbow Dragon graces intersection
By Carrie Wenninger, CNA Media Team
This month’s featured mural is unusual because its canvas is not the side of a building, but the blacktop!
Mural location: Intersection of Sumner Street and 32nd Avenue
Artists: This mural was created in conjunction with the Village Building Convergence (VBC), part of the City Repair Project. Good neighbor Taylor Nehrling spearheaded the effort, bringing the community together to paint a tribute to Brook Irwin, who lost her fight with cancer the year prior, and to honor Brook’s husband and son, who reside in the family home at the corner of this intersection.
What the artwork represents: In a word: community. The design was inspired by the things that Brook loved… from stones for her affinity for geology, and hibiscus and waterfalls representing her affection for Hawaii. Even her name runs through it as moving water. The dragon motif evolved spontaneously as neighbors worked together on the design.
Age of mural: It was painted in spring 2015 with donations from VBC, Concordia Neighborhood Association, local realtor Mark Charlesworth and neighbors.
Fun fact: The stepping stones running through the brook offer both the idea of safety as well as a playful, skipping opportunity for passersby.
Photos examine life along Line 75
By Riley O’Boyle
Living in Portland for two decades, photographer Geoffrey Hiller rarely rode the bus until last year.
When he lived in New York back in the 1980s, he had worked on a photo essay featuring the A-Train. But it wasn’t until returning home to Portland from a 2015 trip to Myanmar that he really noticed Bus 75.
“I wanted the energy from the trip to keep going, so I began The Hidden Portland project, which captures life along the 75 route, and it developed organically,” he said.
In May 2015, Geoffrey boarded the 75 – the bus closest to his home – getting on and off at different stops to strike up conversations at various businesses, as well as focusing his camera on the cityscape.
With a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council, he produced a blog and exhibit, featuring locations within a city block of the bus route, a 20-mile stretch between downtown Milwaukie and St. Johns. That includes the length of Concordia neighborhood on 42nd Avenue.
Hiller brought on board writer Tom Vandel to contribute text to the work, and the pair published an illustrated post every Monday on Bus75.org.
“While I certainly acknowledge there’s an aspect of the project that focuses on the disappearing Portland, I didn’t intend to make overt commentary on it,” Geoffrey explained. “A lot of people are trying to pick up on the gentrification aspect of the project, and we can’t deny that. We know it exists. We allude to it.
“But at the end of the day, we are trying to get at something beyond that,” he added. “I’m looking for a different angle, something that will fill in the blanks between the story of gentrification and the celebration of the old Portland.
“There are ideas and themes that a photograph can hint at, even when words fail to describe them. That’s what I seek out.”
The project blog will continue until the end of December. The Hidden Portland exhibit is on display in the George R. White Library Learning Center at Concordia University through Dec. 18. It includes several photos that never made it into the blog.
Riley, certified engineer in training, graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology with a degree in civil engineering, with an extracurricular focus and interest in community engagement through written and visual media. New to Portland, he pursues a career in stormwater management, while he continues the practice of written and visual media production. Contact him RSOBboyle13@gmail.com.
Red Door Project
THE AUGUST WILSON RED DOOR PROJECT GIVES PORTLAND STUDENTS A SHOT AT BROADWAY
The August Wilson Red Door Project is thrilled to announce the re-launch of the August Wilson Monologue Competition, which gives Portland-area high school students, grades 10-12, the opportunity to perform monologues from African-American playwright August Wilson’s plays and compete for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to New York City for the National Finals. So much more than an acting competition, the AWMC is a transformational journey of self-discovery and an opportunity to engage directly with the most urgent and fundamental issues in our society. As a playwright, August Wilson gave voice and value to populations who were previously absent from American stages. Wilson, the first person to put the African-American vernacular down on paper, put forth the idea that this way of speaking should be celebrated and exalted, instead of ignored, corrected or cleaned up. In the words of Red Door’s founder, Kevin Jones, “What’s unique about the AWMC program is it meets students where they are with powerful stories straight out of African American culture and history.”
Applying for the competition is the first step of a six-month journey that will push students to discover their own talents and gifts and hold them accountable for their own success. The August Wilson Red Door Project team will be there to support students at every stop of the process, from selecting a monologue from Wilson’s catalogue, working on memorization, script analysis and character building. At the heart of completion is a series of six weekly intensive masterclasses, where students selected for the competition work on their pieces with help from leading professional theater artists from Portland and beyond. For two finalists, this journey will culminate with a trip to NYC and the opportunity to perform in the August Wilson Theater on Broadway.
There is no cost to apply for or participate in the AWMC. If you are a teacher or work with youth, we are offering an in-class recruitment presentation through Nov. 30, which gives a bigger picture of August Wilson’s work, his impact on American theater and contemporary society, and how his work directly connects to themes of gentrification, incarceration and social justice that are so alive in our current times. While we are actively looking for students of color, we encourage students from all ethnicities, backgrounds and experience to apply online by November 30 at reddoorproject.org.
Key upcoming dates for the Monologue Competition
Application Deadline: NOVEMBER 30, 2016
Orientation: DECEMBER 30, 2016
Preliminary Auditions: JANUARY 7, 2017
Callbacks: JANUARY 8, 2017
Master Classes: JANUARY 14, 21, 28 and FEBRUARY 4, 11, 18 2017
Regional Finals: FEBRUARY 27, 2017
National Finals: APRIL 28-MAY 2 2017
For more information, please visit http://reddoorproject.org/awmc.