Hello Neighbors!

You may have caught wind of the SE Neighborhood kickball showdown. 

Well, here are the deets:

CKNA V Woodstock (or as we like to call them, the Woodstock Whiners!) this Saturday at Woodstock Park from 2-4. 

If we win (which we will!!!), the championship game/ice cream social is August 2nd (sat) 2-4. 

The winning team takes home the proceeds (each NA has contributed $50 to the game with a matching grant from SEUplift) to their neighborhood association, which pays for the events we enjoy in our neighborhood (ie: Movies in the Park, National Night Out etc).

Who's in? This is all ages, family friendly ($5 suggested donation for each family or single participant), the more kickballer's the merrier and/or come cheer us on!!!

See you all at Woodstock Park on Saturday. Spread the word and/or send us an email for more info or to let us know you will be there to play! 

One can't help but notice the lush backyard of Birds & Bees Nursery on 37th and Gladstone. 

Bursting with native plants and veggie starts, it is a welcome change to the storage lot it was before Caitlin and Amanda transformed it.

Amanda and Caitlin met in high school and their friendship has lasted 17 years. They have already tested blurring the lines between their friendship and professional relationship by working together at Finnegan's Toy Store. 

Amanda said they always knew they wanted to open a business together and took a small business course through Mercy Corps. From there, they were able to write a business plan, find a loan and open their vibrant shop in April 2012.

Anything that Amanda and Caitlin do not carry in their shop, they can order from one of their vendors. In February, they built a coop and included chicks in their offerings. 

They host multiple workshops throughout the year from terrarium building to holiday wreath making. The ladies also offer cards and some locally crafted jewelry. A definite one-stop-shop for the green thumb in your life!

 As Portland natives (yes, we exist!), they are committed to the "NACK" (Neighborhood Association of Creston Kenilworth). Not only do a majority of their regular customers live in the neighborhood but Amanda and Caitlin both live nearby. 

Recently they were one of the sponsors for Movies in the Park at Kenilworth Park. They also donated gift cards to Kenilworth Preschool's and Tucker Maxon's auctions. As if on cue, a woman stopped in with a cucumber from her garden as a gift. I asked if this happens often and they told me one time, they received blackberry infused vodka.

Now that's what I call community! 

Birds & Bees is located at 3709 SE Gladstone. Hours M-Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5

503.788.6088 and you can Like them on Facebook!

-Jeanne deParrie-Turner

Ok, this photo is a couple of months old but we keep forgetting to take photos at our meetings. Probably because we are having too much fun.

I know neighborhood association and fun do not seem synonymous but I must admit, the Outreach Committee happens to have some of the most funny and interesting people attend.

We are considering bringing back the Welcome Wagon. You remember the good ol' days when you moved to a new town and a group of neighbors would stop by with a pie? 

No? I don't remember that either. I guess that is why I think it is such a great idea. Why not try some forms of engagement from the past? Stay tuned for more on that!

Rachel did an amazing job gathering vendors and activities for Movies in the Park. For those of you who don't know her, she is pictured above on the far right. Anyway, she has a sparkling personality which served us well when asking our local businesses for donations. Our event is fully funded which is super awesome!!! Yay, Rachel!