By Ute Munger
August – oh what a month filled with constant activities and total and explosive excitement. The various SE Street Fairs, Mt. Tabor Soap Derby, Jade District Night Market, SE Sunday Parkways, Bridge Pedal with a free passing over the new Tilikum bridge as well as an Orange day of picnic with fireworks, yard sales galore, all very successful, that and more in record days of heat and even smog from nearby forest fires.
And the merriment isn’t over yet. Sunday, September 13, from 12 noon to 4pm will again bring together neighbors and friends to a repeat of fun and joyous energy – the 6th annual Harvest Festival, on the ‘Greens’ of Trinity Fellowship at SE 68th Ave and Clinton. 3 bands are scheduled to keep your toes tapping, early picked and BBQ’d corn on the cob can be washed down with freshly squeezed apple cider. Face painting and other activities will keep the children busy and happy. Bring some of your excess harvest, seeds or plants for an exchange or just to contribute to the ones who aren’t having such a bountiful harvest. This years’ raffle bag is filled with incredible prizes. You’ll have to come and check out the list, it won’t take much to be convinced that you too need to buy a chance to be in the winners’ circle. Various vendors and local businesses will also be present with their wares or info. And as always, we may need a few extra hands to set up and tear down. Free coffee and light breakfast fare provided for the early helpers at 8am. For further info check with Duane at president@southtabor.org.
Metro and the Jade District will be holding several public open houses starting in October. It’s in regard to the oddly shaped building across from SE PCC on SE Division and 82nd Ave. If you are curious to find out details about what all may be happening with this historic building that used to house a furniture store for decades, you may want to contact Christian Harvey at jadedistrict@southtabor.org.
As most every neighborhood is experiencing changes with sales of houses and frequently resulting in teardowns to make room for often behemoth new structures that disrupt the general picture of a particular area and if you are inquisitive about regulations that went into effect in April 2015 regarding residential demolitions and major residential alterations/additions, ‘Title 24 Code Changes’ can be accessed at www.portlandoregon.gov/bds.
One happy note on progression: WinCo has truly begun to take first steps in remodeling the former Food4Less space on SE 80th/82nd and Powell. Many of us are looking forward to see a grand opening; maybe even this year?
Be active in your neighborhood. Come to our monthly meetings: Land Use Committee on Tuesday, September 15 and Neighborhood meeting on Thursday, September 17, both start at 7pm at Trinity Fellowship at 2700 SE 67th and Clinton. Enter from parking lot – hope to see you!
Meanwhile enjoy the last days of school free summer, make the most of Labor Day with watching or partaking in a parade and naturally – barbeques, but most of all – be safe.