Change is the only constant in life” (Heraclitus, c. 535 BC – 475 BC)

We are changing, it’s a fact. We always have been changing. Our neighborhood is one of the six fastest-growing neighborhoods in Portland and we continue to evolve demographically as well as architecturally. A quick search on the web will enlighten all our new Eliot residents. (Check out the list of web pages at the end of this letter)

How Eliot looks in now and in the future can be influenced by ourselves. There are many forces for change which seem to overwhelm. Besides the quote above by Heraclitus, my other favorite quote is from Margaret Mead, a great anthropologist and student of human systems: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. (®) Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

What is your Eliot Neighborhood Board doing?

In 2018 the Eliot Neighborhood Association (ENA) was busy. We expanded the Adopt-a-Block to 24 neighbors picking up their blocks; contributed to community gardens covering membership fees through small grants; supported tree plantings; supported BPI and Dawson Park Concerts which included a domino tournament; held another successful Annual Cleanup event; initiated an Area Parking Permit zone process (see article Area Parking Permit Update on the right side of this page) and had eight new directors join the Board (4 new members in 2018; 4 new members for 2019). Your ENA Board is also representing the neighborhood in efforts to stem air pollution and at NECN, our Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods organization in all they do (see necoalition.org). Also, our hard working LUTC, Land Use and Transportation Committee, has new energy and leadership. (eliotneighborhood.org/association/land-use-and-transportation-committee)

Contact me or any Board member to voice your input. Or, better yet, come join us at the monthly meeting at 120 NE Knott, St Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church, 6:30-8:30 pm on the third Monday of each month. April and October meetings are General meetings where any neighbor can make motions and vote on any issue presented. We will have speakers at those meetings, too. Find us at eliotneighborhood.org or on Facebook at Eliot Neighborhood and spread the word because change is inevitable and welcomed.

Web pages to check out:
oregonlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/08/52a39bc40a6303/portland-neighborhoods-ranked.html
eliotneighborhood.org/?s=history
volgagermansportland.info/a-short-history-of-albina.html
blackpast.org/aaw/albina-portland-1870
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albina,_Oregon