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Issue #34
Posted November 10, 2008
Serving Hillsdale. Supported by The Hillsdale Alliance
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Bonny Crowley
Visit Bonny Crowley's site

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Jeff Devine, Chiropractic Physician

Korkage Wine Shop
In This Issue
� Downturn's impact felt
� Slide victims in limbo
� The Datebook
Olympia Typewriter

Commentary:

For the Arts in Hillsdale

After attending Wilson High School's winning production of Agatha Christie's "Mousetrap," I found myself wondering why Hillsdale relies exclusively on its schools for drama productions.

Why is there no community theater here?

Indeed, why do the arts come up so short in the broader Hillsdale community?

We have no art gallery, no community theater, no movie house, no community lecture series, no community concerts. Our only non-school performances are in the Hillsdale Farmers' Market. The musicians are great, but market patrons come for food, not music.

The same is true for the art displayed in our many great restaurants. It's wonderful to behold, but the food takes center stage.

And while the Portland Ballet is here, the dancing can only be viewed while waiting for the light to change.

I know many will point to Multnomah Village with its galleries and arts center as a nearby place satisfying several of these needs. The Multnomah Arts Center serves all of Southwest Portland well, particularly with its many adult classes.

But if Hillsdale is to be a true community, then the arts should be a stronger part of its fabric.

I know we have plenty of talent here, but do we lack the energy, the will or the time to put it on display?

Several in the community have advocated for an amphitheater on the Rieke School grounds that could be used for performances. But who is willing to organize them, to say nothing of perform in them?

Once every three months, the Hillsdale Alliance meets to share interests and concerns about the community. The January Alliance meeting would be a good forum to discuss whether and how the arts might be promoted in Hillsdale.

One possible outcome might be the formation of an Alliance arts subcommittee, and out of that might emerge a Hillsdale Arts Council and, eventually, a burst of local artistic expression.


Hillsdale News for your ears

The Hillsdale News is about to experiment in a new medium: audio. Or, to be exact, audio clips posted here.

Call it "Air Hillsdale."

The origin of the idea and the impetus for its execution is my old friend and fellow Hillsdalite Henry Sessions. Some of you may remember Henry from his OPB broadcasting days.

Henry has volunteered to interview folks for their insights about Hillsdale.

Later this year, perhaps as early as the Nov. 23rd, we hope to have a microphone and recorder at the Hillsdale Farmers' Market. We'll invite patrons to share stories and thoughts about the community. Henry will edit the interviews and stories to be posted here.

So be thinking about what to share with the reader/listeners of The Hillsdale News.

Rick Seifert
Editor
Letter to the Editor

SWNI/SOLV clean-up a success

Many thanks go to the 49 volunteers who picked up litter Saturday, Nov. 1, with the SWNI/SOLV Litter Patrol.

It was rainy and miserable but that did not stop this group.  We picked up about 200 bags of litter from the usual places: Beaverton Hillsdale Highway, Capitol Highway, Bertha Boulevard, Terwilliger Boulevard and Multnomah Boulevard (including the incredibly messy on- and off-ramps to I-5).  With the help of 12 student firefighters and their instructor, we also cleaned up the entire stretch of the Interstate on-ramp between  Terwilliger and Multnomah Boulevards.

It may be hard to believe, but we actually have a lot of fun picking up litter.  We had gift certificates to raffle off and plenty of food and drink.   Thanks to Food Front, McMenamin's and Paloma Clothing for donating gift certificates, and to SWNI for providing  pastries and coffee in the morning and pizza for lunch. 

We are always looking for additional volunteers.  Sign up now if you are interested in joining the next Litter Patrol by calling me at (503) 245-9069.  The next cleanup will be May 9. I hope to see you there.

Karen Johnson, SWNI/SOLV Litter Patrol organizer
Click HERE for past newsletters
Links to Alliance Members

What Obama might mean
for Hillsdale's future

Obama stakeSpeculation is rampant about what Barack Obama's presidency will mean to the nation and even the world.

But what might it mean for Hillsdale?

I asked that question to several people in the week following the election.

A boost for community

Many noted that Obama, a former community organizer, understands the importance of community organization, involvement and initiative. His election gives impetus to community-building activities in Hillsdale, they said.

"He understands that community is where problems are solved," said Sheila Greenlaw-Fink, executive director of Hillsdale-based Community Partners for Affordable Housing. Greenlaw-Fink is also on the Hillsdale Neighborhood Association Obama sign rightboard.

Josh Kadish, chair of the Hillsdale Farmers' Market board, noted that Obama's campaign was "a tour de force of community organizing, mobilized millions of people to do more than just vote."

Citing Obama's community organizing background, Peter DeCrescenzo, another HNA board member, said,  "The word 'service' will be an important theme in this administration."

Mike Roach, president of the Hillsdale Business and Professional Association, said Obama's commitment to communities should be backed up with federal money. Roach would like to see federal dollars used to hire someone in Hillsdale to update the 11-year-old Hillsdale Town Center Plan and implement it. Roach would also like to see federal matching funds become available to replace old or undersized Portland public schools like Hillsdale's Rieke Elementary School.

Rick Nitti, executive director of Neighborhood House, and Michael Reunert, a parent active in the schools, both want the new administration to increase funding for Headstart and "No Child Left Behind" programs here and elsewhere.

Visions of Transportation Improvements

Hillsdale grapples with a raft Obama official signof transportation issues including upgrading bus service and building safe bike lanes, pathways and sidewalks. Wes Risher, former Hillsdale Neighborhood Association president, believes that under the new Obama administration more federal transportation money will be available for alternative transportation projects.

John Gould, a long-time neighborhood advocate for sidewalks, hopes a model program of safe sidewalks in Hillsdale might result if Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer becomes Obama's Secretary of Transportation.

Eamon Molloy, manager of the Hillsdale Farmers' Market and a Hillsdale resident, hopes  Hillsdale's transit service might be upgraded so buses run more frequently. He'd also like to see a "Park and Ride" facility built here.

As the wish list grew, Don Baack, president of the neighborhood association and chair of SWTrails, cautioned about unrealistic expectations. "We still need to get out of this recession," he said.

A new optimism

Several said that the election of Obama, who had overwhelming support in Hillsdale, has given people here a new outlook.

Lisa Maas, a psychologist, observed that many have been demoralized by the Bush years and that has spilled over into our personal lives and sapped our energies. "Without realizing it, many of us actually have been depressed," she said.

She sees an Obama administration as restoring hope. "When people have a greater sense of well being, they are more interested in being part of community," she said. As a result, Maas foresees stronger community connections, participation and volunteerism In Hillsdale.

Kadish, Maas' husband, compared the change in administrations to a classic film scene. "I keep seeing the image from 'Wizard of Oz' where Dorothy's house falls on the Wicked Witch, and everything goes Technicolor."

Lynn Rossing, who is a co-chair of the Hillsdale Neighborhood Emergency Team, hopes a newly inspired citizenry will become involved in emergency preparedness.

Roach, a co-owner of Paloma Clothing, believes that the new optimism might revive consumer confidence, which has fallen to historic lows under the Bush administration and harmed the local economy.

Savoring the moment

Finally, Ted Coonfield, recently elected to the Food Front Cooperative's board, had a somewhat different take. He believes Hillsdale should fully savor the moment of world-wide rejoicing at Obama's election.

The celebration should force us to "look beyond what the election means for us here, and to witness what it means to so many around the globe," he wrote in an e-mail. "Ask not what Obama can do for Hillsdale, but how Hillsdale can be a part of the joy throughout the world.

"We'll figure out the other stuff later."
Sinking economy pulls down some but not all

From clothing to housing to food and wine, the recession is hitting Hillsdale businesses differently.

Mike Roach, president of the Hillsdale Business and Professional Association and co-owner of Paloma Clothing, said Paloma's sales were down 10 percent in September and October over last year.

"October was a tough month," he said. In past recessions, Paloma has seen its growth rate slowed, but not disappear and turn negative.

Although sales are off, foot traffic in the Town Center isn't, Roach noted. "People are consciously spending less than they were a year ago. I've actually had someone stop outside the store and say, 'I'm not coming in because I don't want to spend any money.'"

At Hillsdale's new Food Front Cooperative grocery, Tom Mattox, the community outreach manager, said that business is on target but he has no comparative figures from a year ago because the store didn't exist here then.

Food Front's other store on NW Thurman "is doing fine," he said. "We're as busy as ever."

The coop's message about buying from local businesses may be helping in the economic downturn. "It's one of the few things you can do to help other than vote," he said.

Across Capitol Highway from Food Front, Alissa Larrance, who opened her Korkage wine shop in mid-September, said her business is about where she thought it would be at this time.

"You can still get a nice bottle of wine for $11 to $15," she said. "Whether the economy is good or bad, people still drink. It's a recession-proof industry." She speculated that people cut back on services before they give up on food and drink.

Her business is based on building relationships, she said. "It doesn't happen over night," she said, but she already is seeing steady progress in Hillsdale.

Korkage's Thursday evening wine tastings are attracting a following, she said. A group of women held a birthday party at the wine tasting last week. They brought in a birthday cake from Baker & Spice to mark the occasion.

When RE/MAX-Equity group moved its Raleigh Hills office to Hillsdale three months ago, the branch at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Capitol Highway became RE/MAX's largest office among 23 in Portland, Vancouver and Salem.

Carolyn Green, the branch manager and principal broker, said the 98 Realtors in the building are hard at work convincing buyers that it is a buyers' market.

"We all want to shake the buyers because inventory is historically high, there's often deep discounting and interest rates are at historic lows," said Green, a veteran in the business.

She believes that buyers are put off more by "perception than reality." "We aren't in Phoenix or Sacramento. Hillsdale is still a desirable area."

One misperception is that the capital market has dried up, she said. "We have two loan officers at work full time here. We have our own bank in our own office. There is plenty of money available."

She added, however, that loan requirements are more stringent than in the booming market of two or three years ago. "Now you actually have to have investment in the property," which, she added, is the way things used to be.

The bad news about the economy is also spooking buyers, she said. "When you hear something on the news you think it applies to you."

Houses in Hillsdale are staying on the market an average of 156 days, or just over five months. That's about average for Portland, she said, and makes for a buyers' market. Five years ago, in the booming sellers' market, the average house would sell in a month.

Another problem is that potential buyers are waiting to see a bottom in the drop in home prices. For those who want a house, Green recommends getting a Realtor and looking for the best house at the best price.

She noted that in Southern California, the market seems to be turning around.

Because RE/MAX is a worldwide real estate firm, the global nature of the recession is affecting sales in Hillsdale. Green said that she has seen a drop in referrals from offices abroad because fewer people are being transferred to Portland from poor economies overseas.

"We've never seen a global recession before," she said.
Families displaced
by slide still in limbo


The seven families whose lives have been upended by the massive Oct. 8 landslide between Burlingame Place and Terwilliger Boulevard remain in a state of limbo.

Insurance claims have been denied to six families. The insurance company for the seventh, Kathei and Dave Hendrickson, is still investigating. The Hendrickson house was demolished when it slid down the hill.

Meanwhile, the Hillsdale community continues to pour out its support.

Anne Johnston-Silverberg, her husband Sam Silverberg, and their three children, ages 2, 6, and 8 are one of the displaced families.

"I'm really awestruck watching the community mobilize," said Johnston-Silverberg. "People have given so graciously. We all want folks to know how much that is appreciated."

When the Hendrickson house slide away, it took the retaining wall from Johnston-Silverberg home, weakened the underpinnings, poked a hole in a wall and cracked the chimney and fireplace.

Now the family needs a minimum of $156,000 for repairs before the city will deem their home habitable, she said.

The family is living with their next-door neighbors, Michelle and John Becker, and the Becker children. "There are 11 of us in the house. Our home is in the basement," said Johnston-Silverberg.

She said that help has come in various forms: contributions to special accounts set up at the Hillsdale Bank of America, lunches being provided for the children at school, and dinners being delivered to their doorsteps.

"Everybody is getting help," she said. "That's huge."

The future, however, remains a big question mark.

The City of Portland's Bureau of Development Services is monitoring the slide site. BDS Division Manager Ross Caron said the scarp left by the slide "seems to be stable. There seems to have been no movement." Late last month, his agency hired a contractor to cover the exposed scarp with Visquene and redirect water from it.

Terwilliger Boulevard will remain closed until the slide debris is removed and the slope is permanently stabilized, he said.

Who will pay for the clean-up and permanent stabilization remains unclear.

Johnston-Silverberg said much her time is spent searching for emergency aid at government agencies including the Governor's office, HUD and FEMA. So far her efforts have gone unrewarded. For instance, she has found that FEMA won't make low-interest loans unless at least 25 homes have been damaged in an incident.

With the rains coming, the families are eager to find answers in an world that on Oct. 8 suddenly plunged them into uncertainty.

Those who want to help the families should visit a special web site set up to assist them. To contribute at the Hillsdale Bank of America branch drop by or call (503) 275-1335. To help the Hendricksons, who have a special account at the Umpqua Bank, mail checks to P.O. Box 1820, Roseburg,Or 97470 and indicate on the check and envelope "For the benefit of Kathei Hendrickson." Checks can also be dropped off at a local Umpqua Bank branch or left at the Robert Gray Middle School office.
The Date Book

Thursday, Nov. 13 - Preschool Morning Story Time

Children gather for stories, art projects and a snack while parents attend informative sessions during this event. November's parent topic is "Raising money-smart kids," led by Rieke Elementary parent and investment professional Mark Reynolds.9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Rieke Elementary School, 1405 SW Vermont St.

Thursday, Nov. 13 or Friday, Nov. 14 - "The Glass Slipper"

Robert Gray School presents this interactive, comedic adaptation of Cinderella for all ages. 7 p.m. at the school. For tickets, contact Dover Norris-York at [email protected] or (503) 452-1478; Renee Erickson-Davolt at [email protected] or (503) 756-8062; or Maureen Berrie-Lawson at [email protected] or (503) 246-1474

Wednesdays through Dec. 17 - Group offers job-finding help

More than 80 percent of new positions are filled through networking. Susan Goldstein, an experienced career transition consultant and coach, will facilitate this no-cost networking group for those who want to expand their network or are looking for work. No long-term commitment required; attend when you can. Each Wednesday through Dec. 17, 7:45 a.m. Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane.  Contact JoAnn Bezodis at (503) 293-7309 or Susan Goldstein at (503) 880-1473.

Saturday, Nov.15 - A Celebration of "Fiddler on the Roof"

An evening marked by music, fun, and frivolity featuring vignettes of important scenes from the film.  Live music by a local Klezmer band and some arts and crafts projects for children, followed by a Havdallah (the official end of Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath) A buffet dinner will be served before the singing begins.

The film will be shown on the big screen in the ballroom but the event will skip to each song in the film as the film itself is close to three hours long.
 
Attendees are encouraged to come in costume and participate in the costume contest which will take place through the evening.  Starting at 5:30 p.m. Mittleman Jewish Community Center.
 
The event is free though reservations are required.  Dinner is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 and adults over 65.  RSVP to the MJCC.  Call (503)244.0111.
 
Thursday, Nov. 20 - An evening with Syd Lieberman
 
Syd Lieberman shares his hilarious and touching takes of growing up and raising a family in Chicago. Syd is an internationally acclaimed storyteller, an author, and an award-winning teacher. Adults only. Admission: $10 Tickets may be purchased at Annie Bloom's Books, the Capitol Hill, Central, and Hillsdale branches of the library. 7 p.m. Mittleman Jewish Community Center

Saturday, Nov. 22 - Matinee Story-telling at Library

Anne-Louis Sterry, a regional storyteller based in Canby, Oregon, will be presenting a Family Matinee.Sterry has been a well-known and well-loved storyteller for over 15 years. 11:00 a.m., Hillsdale Branch Library

Wednesday, Nov. 26. - Donate Dinner drive at New Seasons

Volunteer to take a two-hour shift to raise money through Loaves and Fishes to feed local seniors. The effort, called Donate Dinner, has the goal to recruit more than 1000 volunteers to raise $200,000. Last year volunteers raised $186,000.

Volunteers greet Raleigh Hills New Seasons customers as they come into the store to shop for their Thanksgiving dinner, hand them a Donate Dinner card, and let them know that if they would like to donate to the Meals-On-Wheels program they tell the cashier when they check out. Their grocery receipt will include their tax-deductible nonprofit donation receipt. Click here to see the sign-up schedule.
 
For more information, contact Donna Trilli, Loaves and Fishes Center Manager, www.loavesandfishesonline.org
Rick Seifert
Editor, Hillsdale News
(503) 245-7821
[email protected]