Run Mama Run PDX
The Mother and Child Education Center invites the public to participate in the 10th Annual RunMamaRun, a 10k/5k stroller-friendly run or walk, and kids’ fun run on Saturday, May 12, at 9 am in Mt. Tabor Park off SE Salmon.
Registration is now open – $49 for the 10k; $39 for the 5K; $5 for the Kids Run or the SleepMamaSleep option at runmamarunpdx.org.
In spring 2009, a group of local mothers birthed RunMamaRun as a way to celebrate motherhood in a fun, active, family friendly way with a purpose.
Originally, RunMamaRun benefited Adoption Mosaic, a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting adoptive children and families in Oregon. When Adoption Mosaic closed in 2015, it passed the baton to Family Forward Action.
After 2017’s race, Family Forward Action felt the race would best benefit a local non-profit, as it did originally and Mother & Child Education Center was chosen.
Funds raised through RunMamaRun benefit Mother & Child Education Center, a local 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping parents during pregnancy and early infancy with services, connection to resources, education and supplies.
Mother & Child Education Center, founded in 1971 by four local nurses, is the referral choice of many local providers including Providence Beginnings, Nurse Family Partnership, and 211. The organization reaches more than 1,600 women, 2,400 children, and countless parents each year.
For family members, fathers, foster parents and friends who find themselves filling a parenting role, support can be a crucial lifeline. Maura White, Executive Director, said, “We are here to support parents without judgment, thanks to more than 100 volunteers who dedicate time annually. ”
Planners anticipate more than 400 runners, walkers, kids, families, and spectators will register for this year’s event bringing families to Mt. Tabor Park for Mother’s Day weekend. Volunteers and sponsors are needed. Contact Anne Bumbalough, anneb@momchildpdx.org /503.249.5801.
Business Beat
CALLIGRAPHY CLASSES FOR BEGINNERS – Rock Paper Calligraphy offers relaxed private and group hand-lettering classes at Artist & Craftsman SE and other SE PDX venues. Gift certificates for Mother’s Day are available. Group class schedule: 5/9, 6:30 – 9 pm Italic class; 5/12, 10 – noon Mother’s Day Brush Pen class; 5/16, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Uncial (9th Century Celtic); 5/19, 10 – noon Brush Pen; 5/26, 10 – noon at Artist & Craftsman SE Brush Pen. Classes cost from $49 – $55 and include all supplies, a take-home kit and snacks. Small class sizes. Registration required. Visit rockpapercalligraphy.com, text or call 503.432.1021.
THE INDIE COTTAGE HUB, at 4414 SE Hawthorne, is a newly opened venue that offers space for creativity classes, events and small business pop-ups and it’s partly the home of Secret Society of Shoes. Artist’s Way classes meet on Tuesday nights and beginning in May, Indie Cottage will offer weekly cooking and calligraphy classes and craft nights. For information contact indiecottage@gmail.com or call 503.888.2210. For info on craft classes call 503.432.1021.
COBALT STUDIOS PDX is a 2500 square foot full-service rental photography and video studio at 1030 SE Clinton St. The studio offers multiple stages, including a 320 sq foot L-shaped cyclorama wall, natural light set, and boudoir area. Rentable lighting is available and props included. Contact us at 971.806.6404 or on Instagram: @CobaltStudiosPDX
PORTLAND BICYCLE EMPORIUM – The bike shop you’ve been waiting for is now open. The Emporium stocks commuters and neighborhood bikes, kid bikes and the occasional vintage bike, both new and refurbished for nearly any budget. Repair and service work from flat fixes to full overhauls backed by twenty years of experience. Lights, locks, bells, plus all the bike bits you never knew you always needed. Get ready for summer biking now. 4827 SE Division. 503.231.3093. Most days the hours can be somewhat irregular. portland-bicycle-emporium.com.
Coalition for 82nd Ave. asking for change
The 82nd Avenue Improvement Coalition, has been asking the City of Portland, in partnership with ODOT, to begin transferring ownership of the 82nd Avenue to the City.
82nd Avenue is a highway maintained and owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Its current design puts the lives of Portlanders at risk for serious injury and death. In fact, it is one of the most dangerous roads in the State of Oregon.
Portlanders deserve safe streets on which to walk, bike, operate mobility devices, access transit, and drive.
A letter asking for a “full upgrade” and transfer of ownership of 82nd Avenue was signed by the following leaders:
Reps. Alissa Keny-Guyer, Jeff Reardon, Barbara Smith Warner; Sens. Michael Dembrow, Rod Monroe, Mayor Ted Wheeler, Commissioner Dan Saltzman, Amanda Fritz, Nick Fish, Chloe Eudaly and Multnomah County Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson.
The pressure was ratcheted up further by Representative Keny-Guyer and Senator Dembrow in a letter dated April 18 from the Coalition. This letter advocates for transfer of 82nd Avenue now before ODOT spends funds to make improvements not aligned with the communities vision.
Here is a list of changes the Coalition is requesting: 82nd Avenue needs to be paved; 82nd Avenue needs to have safe sidewalks; 82nd Avenue needs to be safe to cross; 82nd Avenue needs to be part of the neighborhood fabric and made into a place to be; not a space to just drive through.
If you want to help with these changes, join the Steering Committee. Contact: 82ndavenue@gmail.com
Recycling–the trouble with plastic
By Bonita Davis, Master
Recycler and Sunnyside Resident
Spending time at the beach is on a lot of calendars for the summer months. Now is the time we start thinking of living more in the outdoors and stores are filled with items to help us enjoy outdoor time.
Patio sets, patio sets, beach toys, flower pots and garden hoses – a lot of it contains plastic.
Plastic is a synthetic material derived from petrochemicals that increasingly is replacing or being mixed with wood/paper, glass, metals, and natural fabrics to make durable goods, clothing, shoes, household goods and packaging materials.
Brightly colored Bakelite, was one of the first plastics to appear in the early 1900’s; Chemical innovations brought vinyl and acrylic in the 1920’s and nylon,
Teflon, polystyrenes and polyurethanes in the 30’s. Nylon stockings, squeeze bottles, Tupperware, Formica, and vinyl records were introduced in the 40’s.
After WWII, plastic was the new big thing: Saran Wrap, drip dry fabrics, styrofoam, plastic furniture and toys (remember Legos and Barbie?) were making their way into households. Credit the early 60’s for the plastic bag.
Mobile phones and PET beverage bottles were introduced in the ‘70’s, helping plastic become the most widely used material in the world. It wasn’t until 1988 that the first coding system for plastic was introduced.
Plastic is a lightweight miracle material great for insulating, containing liquids, and keeping foods safe. It helps us be mobile and saves transportation and energy costs.
It also lingers. The years to degrade vary: 10-40 years for a plastic bag, 450 for a beverage bottle or disposable diaper, 600 for mono fishing line.
Plastic actually never really goes “away.” Bits eventually splinter, degrade into particles, then to dust, and eventually into plastic molecules that can last for centuries.
That dropped straw washed by rain into a grate becomes part of plastic slurry being moved around by currents in our waterways and oceans. In this mix, it is fatal when ingested by wildlife, or when it entangles birds and fish. Worldwide, by 2010, plastic took up 25% of the space in our landfills.
There are no easy solutions. We can start saying ‘no” to bottled water, single use coffeecups, straws, unneeded or excessive plastic packaging materials, “tossable” cleaning products and plastic bags. We can be careful not to litter and to help with clean-ups.
Thinking before buying “flimsy” things – even summer fun stuff – and opting for products built to last will make it less necessary to search for a recycling option (if one exists) down the road.
Cut plastic waste by opting for minimal or no packaging, buying used products or those with recycled content. Take full advantage of curbside recycling programs, and return clean plastic film to participating stores such as Winco, Fred Meyer, and Safeway.
Read more in these recommended books, both available from the library or wherever you buy books: The Plastic Ocean by Julie Decker, and Plastic Free by Beth Terry
Summer classes and camps
The Saturday Academy offers a wide variety of camps and classes for students entering grades 2-12 this fall in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts. This year, The Academy celebrates 35 years of providing hands-on, in-depth educational opportunities to students in the Portland Metro area.
Class and camp highlights in SE include:
Academic Summit: Meeting of the Minds (grades 6-8 at Reed College) – Explore the challenges of the 21st century and draw on creative resolutions from science, engineering, technology, humanities and art.
Curiosity Challenge (grades 4-5 at Reed College) – Trace curious connections between science, engineering, technology and art and how creative new ideas take form.
AWSEM Camp: Science & Engineering for Girls (grades 6-8 at Reed College). Meet other girls interested in science, engineering and math, and visit female mentors with successful careers in these fields.
Coding Camp: Computer Essentials (grades 6-8 at La Salle College Preparatory High School) – Learn coding skills and concepts for binary numbers, image representation, sorting algorithms through hands-on projects. Call 503.200.5858 or saturdayacademy.org
Applying for Senate Page Program
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley is accepting applications to the U.S. Senate Page Program. through May 18, 2018. Students who will be juniors during the 2018-19 school year have an opportunity to apply to be part of the Page Program in fall 2018.
The highly competitive program provides students with first-hand experience of Senate operations. Pages play a critical role in the daily work of the US Senate by helping deliver legislative material, amendments correspondence and bills around the complex during Congressional proceedings. Only 30 page positions are available among 100 senators.
“My message to young leaders is this: Get informed and get involved in the political process to create the change you wish to see in the world. The Senate Page Program is an excellent way for young Americans to do exactly this,” Merkley said.
“I encourage all eligible Oregonians to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to come to our nation’s Capital and see firsthand the inner workings of Congress.”
Senate pages must be appointed and sponsored by a Senator. Unlike interns who work in the Senators’ offices, pages work for the Senate as a whole.
Pages receive a stipend, live in a dormitory near the Capitol, and attend classes in addition to performing their page duties.
Interested participants should call 202.224.3753 or apply online at tinyurl.com/y7amb4jq
What’s at stake
The next public hearing on Mayor Ted Wheeler’s proposed 5% budget cuts for Portland Parks & Recreation will be held on May 10, a the Council Chambers, 1221 SW 4th Ave., from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Here’s a few things at risk of being cut.
- Five Community Centers will be closed — The question is what happens to this publicly owned property?
- The Children’s Museum, located near former OMSI at the Zoo, City’s 25-year Contract to pay utilities will be cancelled — with roughly 13-years remaining.
- Two PP&R Parks Maintenance Crews keeping swimming pools and splash pools mechanics working and testing the water for public health.
- Elders in Action — Advocates who help seniors find affordable housing on fixed incomes, who were issued “no cause evictions”.
Get Involved in Your Local NA
From construction cranes, to traffic diversions to threats to sell-off portions of Mt. Tabor Park, contentious issues reinforce the need for thoughtful residents to step forward and participate in their neighborhood association processes.
This month and next, most SE neighborhood associations will hold elections. Board members generously give of their time and energy to help solve local problems, understand government and weigh-in on pressing issues.
SE Uplift Neighborhood Planning Program Manager Leah Fisher reinforces the value of participating in NAs. “If you’re concerned about the position or activities of a neighborhood board, the best way to address it is to get involved and re-direct it.
“If you are not able to participate as a board member, communicate with your board, let them know how you feel about certain issues. They want to know what the community cares about.”
She adds that participating in a neighborhood association is a great way to network, develop leadership skills, host fun events, and influence issues of livability.
Getting involved is especially important for SE residents who feel that they do not have direct representation from Commissioners who live in other parts of the City.
Because this is Portland, there are occasional process challenges and critics. Frequent blogger Margaret Davis claims demonizing is on the rise by paid lobbyists and special interests who intimidate and publicly shame those with whom they disagree.
For all the grumbling, however, NAs are part of the democratic process, and only as good as those who participate, she says.
“If your neighborhood association doesn’t represent you, run for the board. Show up to meetings. Vote!” members advise. MP
Local Farmers Offer Farm-Direct Produce
Dirt Rich Farm, located 15 miles outside of Portland, is a small-scale vegetable farm run by SE-Portland resident, Allison Necheles, and her farming partners Ryan and Kerry Ramsay.
Despite being only one acre in size, Dirt Rich produces over 3 tons of food each season, offering farm-direct vegetables for families through their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program as well as to Portland-area restaurants.
Although a new concept for some, CSAs are gaining in popularity, especially in urban centers like Portland.
At the beginning of the farm season, members pre-purchase a share of the farm’s produce. Then, during the main season (from May until October at Dirt Rich), members receive a weekly selection of seasonal produce harvested at the peak of flavor, quality and freshness.
CSAs are a mutually beneficial partnership between members and farmers. At its heart, the program relies on members and farmers coming together as a community to share the risks and rewards of local food systems.
In addition to community building and offering quality produce to members, Dirt Rich Farm is dedicated to sustainable farming practices that focus on soil health.
As Ryan Ramsay explains, “Healthy people eat healthy food and healthy food comes from healthy soil.” With this mantra as a guiding principle, Dirt Rich farms the land without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.
To learn about Dirt Rich Farm’s CSA program and to purchase a share, go to dirtrichoregon.com. Contact Kerry at Kerry@dirtrichoregon.com or 503.839.0159.
RACE & PLACE: RACISM AND RESILIENCE IN OREGON’S PAST AND FUTURE – Wednesday, May 9, 6 – 8 pm in People’s Community Room, 3029 SE 21st Ave. Oregonians envision a future that includes communities built on values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the same time, we live in a society that marginalizes and excludes people of color. How does Oregon’s history of racism influence our present and how can understanding historic and current impacts of racism in Oregon contribute to our sense of place and vision of the future? How can diversity and inclusion create thriving communities? This is the focus of Race and Place: Racism and Resilience in Oregon’s Past and Future, a free conversation with Anita Yap, Traci Price, and folks in your community. This program is hosted by People’s Food Co-op and sponsored by Oregon Humanities.
CELEBRATING THE NONAGENARIAN (90 YEAR OLD) members of the community. An open invitation to the community of and surrounding Tabor Heights UMC to come and help celebrate blessings for those turning 90 scheduled for May 3 at 6:30 pm here at the church. A birthday cake made from JaCiva’s chocolate shop will be served with coffee and tea. A short and sweet concert will be presented with traditional songs of praise and live underscores of great movie clips and films. Info: 503.232.8500.
MOTHER’S DAY VIKING PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Treat your mom to a Pancake Breakfast Sunday May 13 and start your day with delicious all-you-can-eat Viking pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, strawberry compote, lingonberries, orange juice and coffee or tea served in our charming Bergen Dining Room at Norse Hall, 111 NE 11th Ave. from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Adults $8, Children ages 5-12 $4, Children under age 5 are free. Parking is free.
FRIENDS OF THE MULTNOMAH COUNTY LIBRARY’S SPRING USED BOOK SALE is May 4 – 7. Join the Friends of the Multnomah County Library at their annual Spring Used Book Sale, Oregon’s biggest and best used book sale. The event is at the Lloyd Center DoubleTree Hotel Exhibit Hall, 1000 NE Multnomah St. and easily accessible by TriMet/MAX. Vouchers providing $3 parking in the onsite garage are available to all attendees. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Multnomah County Library. Friday, May 4, 6 – 9 pm, Members Only Pre-sale + Collector’s Corner; Saturday, May 5, 9 am – 9 pm, Trivia Contest 6 – 9 pm (with no host bar) + Collector’s Corner; Sunday, May 6, 11 am – 5 pm – Educators Discount Day – 50% off with school ID; Monday, May 7, 9 am – 3 pm – 50% off everything
ATTRACTING POLLINATORS TO THE URBAN GARDEN–Thu, May. 3, 6 – 8:30 pm, Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 4244 SE 91st Ave. Register here: ; Beneficial Insects, Sun, May 6, 1– 3:30 pm, Lents Village Apartments, 10325 SE Holgate Blvd. Urban Weeds, Wed, May. 9 6 – 8:30 pm, Woodstock Community Center, 5905 SE 43rd Ave. To register for any or all of these events go to https://emswcd.org/workshops https://emswcd.org click on events.
NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDENS DAY CELEBRATION – Friday May 11, from 11 am – 2 pm, Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Ave. All across the country, America will be celebrating Portland’s Leach Garden. The Stone Cabin will be open from 11-2; our Education Coordinator, JoAnn Vrilakas, will lead an Ethnobotany Tour at noon; Gavin Bell of Dragonfly Forge will be on hand to sharpen pruning shears from 11 am-2 pm; and local author, Teresa Bergen, will be in the gift shop from noon-2 pm signing copies of her new book, Easy Portland Outdoors, which includes an entry on Leach Garden. Enjoy this annual celebration of gardens. For information, see: leachgarden.org (click on “learn”) or contact JoAnn Vrilakas, Education Coordinator, 503.823.1671 or jvrilakas@leachgarden.org
SPRING PLANT SALE – Saturday, May 19 from 9 am – 2 pm (or until all plants are sold) in the parking lot of Fabric Depot, SE 122nd and Stark St. There will be a limited number of baskets, and a much larger selection of gallon container hardy upright or lax fuchsia plants. Annual Fuchsia Show and Display–Friday, August 10 from noon – 6 pm; Saturday, August 11 from 9 am until 6 pm; Sunday, August 12 from 9 am – 1 pm. In the east parking lot of the Portland Nursery at 5050 SE Stark St. There will be prize winning fuchsia plants from the Friday judging, display plants brought by members, an extensive display of blossoms, opportunity to get fuchsia questions answered, and a modest selection of baskets and gallon uprights grown by members. Plant sales do not begin until noon on Friday.
