82nd Avenue Business Association
By Nancy Chapin
For many years, the business association sponsored the 82nd Avenue Parade in April. It became clear that to receive funding the parade needed to be presented by a non-profit organization, so the 82 Roses Community Enrichment Coalition was formed and became the presenter. It is still an important 82nd Ave. event, however, and is now dubbed “Roses in the Heart of Portland.” Mark Your Calendars for 9:30 am Saturday, April 29 and come to 82nd Ave. between Bush St. (north of Eastport Plaza) and 78th and Yamhill. Be prepared to clap, smile and appreciate the music, dancers, school children and representatives of many community organizations. There will be a small Cruise-In at Garry Small Saab, 1940 SE 82nd Ave. until 2 pm. Vehicle traffic on 82nd Ave. will be closed at Division St. starting at 9:30 am.
The Business Association continues to work with several groups regarding the future of 82nd Avenue.
Belmont Area Business Association
By LeeAnn Gauthier
Desperately seeking Board Members to avoid closure. BABA’s current President, Dustin Slack, NextHome Bridge City, no longer owns a business on Belmont St. and announced in early 2022 his need to step down after seven years of service on the Board. We need new folks and energy to take up the slack (no pun intended). LeeAnn Gauthier, treasurer since October 2018, cannot run the district solo as our bylaws require a President, VP and Secretary. Options we are considering if no one steps up include joining with another neighborhood or business group, hiring a manager to run the organization, dissolving (closing), hosting Belmont Street Fair only or some combination of the above.
Despite lacking future leadership, our annual dinner drew 22 guests and 14 businesses interested in networking. It demonstrated healthy and interested groups of homeowners and business leaders, including restaurants, bars, fitness, health and spiritual entities. All enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Hoda’s and desserts by Adam’s Ice Cream.
A business mixer will be held at Triple Nickel Pub Thursday, April 6, 5:30-7:30 pm. RSVPs to the below email are appreciated.
Please get in touch with us at info@belmontdistrict.org to let us know if you are interested in participating and/or attending our next meeting, Tuesday, April 11, 9 am at the Historic Belmont Firehouse, 900 SE 35th Ave. Thank you.
Foster Area Business Association
By Jeff Lynott
The Foster Area Business Association is working with the city to secure decorative lights for street trees in the District. This should increase nighttime visibility and make Foster a little more welcoming at night.
Plans are also underway for a summer event—the Foster Summer Soiree–scheduled for Saturday, June 24. It will be a day-long festivity with vendors, entertainment, business promotions and more. Mark your calendars!
As always, follow us on social media at @fosterareapdx or online at fosterarea.com.
Hawthorne Boulevard Business Association
By Nancy Chapin
Happy Spring! We look forward to seeing you on the Boulevard soon. We and PEMO have been working hard to get the graffiti cleaned up and lights in the trees for evenings.
Saturday, April 22, 3 pm HBBA will be helping with Sustainable SE Community Coalition’s dedication of the new Peace Poles, with several formerly missing languages at SE 50th Ave. and Hawthorne Blvd.
Then on September 21 we will have another street event to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace.
Before that we will be celebrating the 40th Annual Hawthorne Street Fair Sunday, August 27. Vendor forms are available at administrator@hawthorneblvd.com.
HBBA’s 40th Annual Meeting was held March 16. A highlight was appreciating PPB Officer Nathan Kirby-Glatkowski, who updates attendees at the monthly Board meetings. The birthday cake from JaCiva’s Bakery and ice cream sandwiches from Dairy Hill Ice Cream, as well as the hors d’oeuvres from Bread & Ink Café, who hosted the event, were enjoyed by all.