February
March
2003
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Please join us at the next BWNA General Meeting on Monday, February 10 at 7:30PM as we choose to fund one or more neighborhood projects. The BWNA Board has budgeted $1000 toward projects at this time, and we would like your input. Free childcare will be available. Some of the projects that the Board is considering are listed below, but we are also open to new ideas. Slow Down Signs for some of our busier side streets. The speed of traffic on many streets in Beaumont Wilshire has been a top concern of residents for a long time. One possibility is to put up permanent signs asking motorists to slow down. We have priced signs at $35-50 for 18”x 24” all-weather aluminum signs. One possible project is to buy a set number of signs and debate which streets are most in need or to ask blocks to provide matching funds to purchase the signs for their streets. Bike racks for Fremont. Many residents of Beaumont Wilshire and of Portland enjoy riding their bikes, often using them as a main source of transportation. Bike racks make our neighborhood more accessible for bikers. Another possible project is to install bike racks along Fremont, near various businesses. We can buy standard bike racks from the city for $10 each (including installation). We can also buy a bike rack designed especially for us, with a symbol of our neighborhood for $545 (with installation). Fund a program or project at Beaumont Middle School. The Portland
School District is currently struggling to fund schools, and our neighborhood
school has many needs. Principal Sherie Knutsen reported at our last meeting
that almost all electives are now voluntary before and after school activities.
They are looking for people to help with the drama club, art club, chess
club, intramural sports, etc. There is also a wide achievement gap, and
they need help with tutoring. Maintenance projects such as painting are
also an issue. We could choose to do something for the school financially
and/or through people-power. Join us as we debate the merits of these various projects, and please feel free to bring ideas of your own!
Milestones are as little as a child’s first step, and as huge as 25 years in business. In February 1978, Sharlene Wienk became a businesswoman: a milestone for a woman in 1978. The business started with nostalgia paper goods, and Sharlene added framing. In the 1980’s, Sharlene attended classes through the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA), and in 1986, she became one of the first Certified Picture Framers in the country. Active in the local PPFA, she served 6 years as Chapter Treasurer and President. Later she helped found the Columbia Picture Framers Guild. Americana Frame moved to its present location at 4223 NE Fremont in 1985. “It’s a wonderful spot,” says Sharlene. “You can do a lot of your shopping in this block, along with framing your cherished items or art.” Few businesses can wear a 25-year pin. Americana Frame is in an even
smaller category of businesses owned and run day-to-day by the original
owner. That is also the charm and attraction of a one-and-a-half person
shop. Sharlene Wienk has a sometimes-uncanny ability to remember her customers,
regular or not. Americana Frame’s works have been showcased at the Street of Dreams, the Ronald McDonald House, the Madeline School Auction, as well as professional offices, Pittock Mansion, Elmer’s Pancake House and the Port of Portland. Her expertise in ‘Memory Box’ framing of nostalgic pieces, and heritage photos is almost legendary in the framing community. “Certainly, I suppose I have framed more than my share of glasses,
watches, hankies, and portraits from the last two centuries,” Sharlene
humbly admits to her extensive experience. This March, Americana Frame
will be competing in a national framing competition at the PPFA’s
annual convention in Las Vegas. Congratulations, Sharlene, on 25 years
of exceptional service!
Every day it seems we are bombarded with more bad news about Oregon’s bad economy. I keep hoping that we are headed for a turnaround, but I just read in the Oregonian again how we have the highest unemployment in the country. Businesses seem to be going rather than coming. Our health services, safety services, etc. are in trouble, and Portland may have the shortest school year in the nation. At the time of this writing, I do not know how the vote on Measure 28 will turn out. Either way, I think our state is facing some serious challenges. What can we, as individuals, do about it? Clearly we have some options. How we vote and how we advise our elected officials does make a difference. There is a wide array of policy tools for dealing with recession, and it remains to be seen how our state and federal officials will act. Don’t be afraid to contact them with your opinions. The information for our representatives and senators is below. In addition to political decisions, our personal choices about careers and about saving, investing and spending do impact the economy. I’d like to focus on what everyone has been calling patriotic lately: spending. When you spend, spend locally! We have a great number of excellent small businesses here in Beaumont Wilshire. I don’t know how each one stands financially, but I can imagine that times are a little stressful for the proprietors. I want to encourage everyone to shop in our own neighborhood. Why make a trip to one of the big home warehouses if you can get what you need at our own hardware store on Fremont? We also have many fabulous restaurants with all different types of cuisine and price ranges, including a few new ones that have just opened or are opening. Or how about getting that haircut right here, a few blocks from home? Taking care of errands close to home not only helps area businesses; it also saves time and transportation costs. The state of our economy has left many of us feeling worried and uncertain, but there are little things we can all do to help our neighbors and ourselves. Here’s hoping for a rosier 2003! State Representative Jackie Dingfelder: 503-493-2804 dingfelder.rep@state.or.us
For some of us 1970 seems just like yesterday, others of us were not even born yet. 1970 is the year Minnie and Fredroe Johnson bought their spacious house near Wilshire Park, where Minnie lives today with her daughter and grandson. If you live near Wilshire Park or walk or run at the park, you may have seen Minnie over the years, as I have, out in her yard or walking with her daughter or grandson near the park. Minnie’s parents, Emanuel and Bessie Lou Stevens, moved to Portland in 1941 from Texas. Mr. Stevens worked for the railroads, and as many people did in those years, they came to Oregon for jobs. Both Minnie and Fredroe were born in Texas, but met and married here in Portland. Before moving to BW, they lived near NE Rodney and Beech. For a while, Fredroe Johnson worked in car sales at Lyman-Slacks Chevrolet on Sandy Blvd. He retired in 1986 after 20 years as a longshoreman. He passed on in 1989 after an illness. Before she retired in 1988, Minnie worked in retail for 25 years, including at the dress shops at the Meier and Frank downtown and at the Lloyd Center. This February 12th, Minnie celebrates her 81st birthday. Although she’s in good health, she does forget some things. Her daughter Charlene and grandson, Trenton, have moved back to Portland from California to live with her. Minnie is a long time member of Allen Temple CME Church on NE 8th at Skidmore. Minnie has always loved to walk in the park and the neighborhood. She
told me she loves this neighborhood because people are friendly, even
those who do not know her well greet her as she walks. She thinks the
neighborhood has not changed much during the years; it is as quiet, nice
and serene as ever. That is how I see Minnie Lou Johnson—serene.
The Beaumont Wilshire Neighborhood Association is looking for a few good newsletter distribution volunteers! Six times a year, the newsletter needs to be hand delivered to homes and businesses. It is a fun and easy way to get involved in the your Neighborhood Association plus get a little fresh air and exercise. It only requires an hour or two every other month. We have several different routes and sizes available (we especially need help between Alberta Court and Prescott, between 33rd and 42nd). So there should be a route that works for you. If you’re interested, or want more information, please contact Lisa
Chiba Perkins: by Patrick Sweeney The Land Use/Transportation committee meets the 4th Monday of each month and discusses land use, urban design and transportation issues affecting the Beaumont Wilshire Neighborhood. Current topics being discussed include investigating the potential for a neighborhood design plan and traffic issues. If you have any ideas that could make our community a better place to live, please call Patrick Sweeney, chairperson, at 503-493-0641 or e-mail him at sweeney@pbworld.com
Maybe you’ve lived in Beaumont-Wilshire for decades or maybe you just moved in last week. No matter. Beaumont-Wilshire Association needs you. While we always encourage neighbors to attend the association’s bimonthly general meetings, it’s even more important that enthusiastic individuals come forward to help out on a fundamental level. That is, we need board members. At the April 14 general meeting we’ll hold elections to fill two officer positions: vice president and secretary. The vice president assists the president, standing in for the president when necessary. The secretary takes the minutes at the meetings and keeps BWNA’s file at Central Northeast Neighbors up to date. There are also ten open board member at large positions. The only requirement is that candidates live in the neighborhood. If you have particular projects in mind, or want to join in on existing ones, please join us. For an overview of BWNA and board members’ work, visit the website at www.bwna.org. In the past, BWNA has worked to organize tree plantings, stage the annual
picnic (one of the biggest in the city), remove graffiti, coordinate landscaping
for Beaumont Middle School, participate in Fremont Fest, and take the
first steps toward developing a land-use vision for our neighborhood.
Board members, along with many volunteers, make these programs happen.
Neighbors’ continued participation keeps the legacy alive. Welcome to Ted Perkins, BWNA acting vice president, elected at the last board meeting to replace Melissa Ritter who moved to the president’s position. Also, welcome to Lisa Perkins who is taking over Newsletter Distribution. Thanks to Jeanne Federovitch for doing such a great distribution job for the last few years. Congratulations to Ted and Lisa, and thanks to them and Jeanne for volunteering with BWNA.
Bill Hamilton has been preparing tax returns and providing tax assistance to Portland area customers since 1960. He has been a tax preparer since 1948. In 1960, he and his family moved from Idaho to the house where he still lives and where his tax preparation office is located: 4516 NE 38th. When he first started doing taxes, Bill considered it a good season if he completed 25 returns. With electronic filing, his office filed over 500 returns last year of which about 90% were filed electronically. At one time his customers included businesses, but today he works mostly with individuals. His clients include many people from the Beaumont Wilshire neighborhood, but some live as far away as California, Alaska and New York. His daughter Judy LeBrun, also a tax consultant, is a partner in his tax business and if and when Bill finally calls it quits (which he tried to do 19 years ago when he was 55), she is ready to continue the family business. What keeps Bill wanting to complete that paperwork which most of us dread and put off till the last minute? He told me that he stays at it because he loves to help people and he cherishes the friendships he has developed with his clients. Sometimes the atmosphere in his office is festive and party like. How could that be? Many of his customers are 4th generation clients; they trust Bill and treat this event like a homecoming! Bill has an accounting degree from Napa College in Idaho, but over the years has taken classes at PCC, PSU and Reed to stay current. He is a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. Although many people are using computer programs and filing their own returns, Bill suggests you see him or another preparer if you have questions about what’s best for you. Hamilton Tax Service - 4516 NE 38, 503-282-8326.
On November 19, 2002 family, friends, teachers and government officials gathered at Meek Elementary School to dedicate a bench to the loving memory of Melissa Bittler. The bench was purchased with money raised by teachers, neighbors, and local businesses. It sits on the front lawn of Meek Elementary School, 4039 NE Alberta Court and looks out on the neighborhood streets familiar to Melissa and her family. Meek School students and teachers have landscaped the space where the bench sits with flowers and shrubs. The dedication ceremony brought tears to many people’s eyes.
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. Criminals can gather information through the debris of everyday electronic transactions. Once this happens, they gain access to all your financial information. The most common way is by stealing your wallet, by looking over your shoulder at ATMs and phone booths to capture your PIN number, stealing mail from your mailbox, digging through your trash, or fraudulently ordering a copy of your credit record. Here are ways to help prevent becoming a victim of identity theft:
The police recommend the following if you are a victim of identity theft:
Free presentations on identity theft are provided to groups by the City
of Portland, Office of Neighborhood Involvement’s, Crime Prevention
Program, as well as printed informational materials, call 503-823-2781.
Also visit: www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
Antique Appraisal
Traditional Roast Beef Dinner
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