Hawthorne Boulevard Business AssociationÂ
By Nancy Chapin
Amazing that it is May already! Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) paving starts in June and the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is moving right along with curbs, ramps and extensions to make walking and busing safer on the Boulevard.
District businesses have been amazing in their dedication and ingenuity these past months and almost all of them are still on the Boulevard. A few businesses changed hands, a couple of owners decided to retire, some spaces have new businesses – be sure to check in and see what’s new.
After 20 involved years on Hawthorne, the Healthy Pets NW owners made the hard decision to close the store leaving Portland Pet Supply, Portland’s Pampered Pets and Mudbay continuing to serve our District’s animal population.
For the young people in our community, Echo Theater is signing up students for summer programs and School of Rock has both Online and In-School music lessons. Kids at Heart Toys has heritage and new games and items for real and imaginary fun – things we want or need to amuse ourselves and the children. Backstory Books & Yarn and Powell’s Books on Hawthorne have extensive selections for children. 30 years ago, there were so many bookstores on Hawthorne they had a group bookmark on their counters. We are happy to still have two.
As you are choosing gifts for the mothers and fathers in your life, along with shopping in person, another place to start is at Hawthorneblvd.com under SHOP or at Hawthorneblvd.com/HAH in the Booths section. Â
The Portland Police Bureau and Multnomah County District Attorney are working together on the Thanksgiving Day damage case. Thank you to the Fernie Brae for starting a raffle and for the additional items from several businesses towards a small fund to assist with damage and cleanup issues. So far, it has been used for graffiti covering paint, part of the dumpster cost for the cleanup on SE 36th Ave. that our Sunnyside neighbors accomplished and for a small grant towards a vandalized front window.
We are hoping to know in May whether we can have an outside street fair this year. We will still have Hawthorne at Home up on the website and whether we are out on the Boulevard again or creating an adventure online, we will host a party in August and beyond. Contact HBBA via Administrator@HawthorneBlvd.com.