Leisure

By Janet Unruh
Wilkes East Neighbor and Board Member

There are at least 28 quirky, one-of-a-kind shops in Gresham, including such things as yesteryear consignment shops, guitar and musical instrument shops, upscale resale women’s clothing, antiques, Mexican and Latin American flea markets; and probably others I haven’t found yet. For this article, I left out a whole category of grocers, but they include Mexican, Middle Eastern, Euro-Russian, Pacific Islander, and a little farther away: Somali, Indian, and Asian. However, I have to make an exception for the PDX Halal Supermarket and Kabul Restaurant. They sell Persian rugs, furniture, wall art, housewares, spices, and packaged foods from the Middle East. It’s right in our neighborhood at 16223 NE Glisan Street. Google reviews: Friendly people from Afghanistan! Great food with big helpings. The bread is always delicious. Great prices. Immaculately clean market. Food is authentic Afghani. Food is probably the best Afghani food that I have had in the Oregon area.
We also have a new Mexican flea market nearby called Oregon Flea Market, at 16321 SE Stark Street. Google reviews: They carry an assortment of things like candy, food, snacks, toys, gifts, shoes, clothes, jewelry, electronics, and so much more. Great place! Great vibes! There's a really awesome second-hand shop on the east end way in back of the covered area, highly recommend. Lots of cool and unusual stuff, always getting new stuff. Hidden gem!
As I was collecting the list of quirky shops, I looked at the photos for each shop in Google Maps. My eye landed on a “Fire King Jade-ite” juicer. See below.

Fire King Jadeite juicer, Click to enlarge

My family has a large collection of this light green, opaque “milky” glassware: dishes and bowls of different sizes, cups and saucers, serving bowls, etc. However, this juicer is one piece that we don’t have.

Permit me a little diversion. Once upon a time, my family had a cabin in the Colorado mountains, which we visited every summer. We have fond memories of the scent of pine forests, evening cookouts, and the path into town. On the way to town, we’d cross streams and run through the patch of wild roses to avoid a bee sting. It was there that we had these dishes. They were inexpensive in the late 1940s, but now they are collectible.

I couldn’t read the price of the juicer (does it look like $69.99? Ouch!), so I went to look at it in person. It was at a shop called Side Hustle Auction and Thrift at 317 NE Roberts Ave., Gresham, OR 97030. It’s a consignment shop with several rooms full of interesting items.

Side Hustle Auction and Thrift, Click to enlarge

17 Google reviewers gave it five stars. What’s extra quirky about this shop is that the owner, Carrie Hughes, runs a weekly online auction.I asked about the juicer and it had already been sold. But I was amused to find a few pieces of the green uranium glassware under a blacklight, which causes them to glow. This type of glassware is made with a small amount of uranium and is radioactive, but its radioactivity is very low. I browsed the whole place and had a good time. I was tempted to buy a blue guitar in good shape. Google reviews: Amazing hidden gem! So very great deals! My friend had to drag me out because I was about to buy half the store. Awesome place. Lots of cool stuff. Don't think I've ever been in and not come out with something. Love collecting VHS tapes from my childhood.

Here’s my list (so far) of quirky, one-of-a-kind shops:

• Amiton Furnture, 202 N Main Ave. Retail home furnishings.
• CB’s Tropical Aquarium, 3 NE 181st Ave. Fresh and saltwater fish, and accessories.
• Cheap Charlie’s Beer and Wine Superstore, 79 NE Roberts Ave. 1,000-plus brews, plus many wines.
• Deep Creek Garden Center, 2330 NE Hogan Dr. Seasonal trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials.
• Discounts Plus, 211 NE Roberts Ave. Closeout and liquidation.
• Eagle Bargain Outlet, 867 E Powell Blvd. Eclectic furnishings, household items, clothes, etc.
• Eastside Music, 21977 SE Stark St. Musical instruments.
• “FLEA” Market, 18340 SE Stark St. Booths with lots of Mexican items, jewelry, electronics, and mini cafes.
• Found on Fremont, 560 NW Eastman Pkwy. Consignment.
• Foxtrot Vintage, 227 N Main Ave. Upscale antiques, etc.
• Gaia’s Workshop, 475 NE Burnside Rd. Drums and sacred art.
• Gresham Guitar, 835 N Main Ave. All things guitar, electric and acoustic, repairs, and lessons.
• Gresham Music, 620 SE 223rd Ave. Brass, woodwind, and stringed instruments. Orchestra, band; rentals, and lessons.
• Island Hope Mart, 17308 NE Halsey St. Pacific Islander clothing, jewelry, packaged foods, and snacks.
• JunkYard Deals Thrift Store, 23 NE 10th Dr. Upscale used furnishings and clothes.
• Let’s Play Again, 20 NW 2nd St. Toys, dolls, stuffed animals.
• La Pulga Fantastica, 19340 SE Stark St. Super-large Mexican flea market with all kinds of Mexican items and mini cafes.
• Maggie Mae’s Bookshop, 50 NW 1st St. Books, games, gifts for all ages, especially baby to teens, reading challenge, teas!
• Molly's Upscale Resale, 111 N Main Ave. Women’s clothing.
• Montavilla Sewing Center, 971 NE Kelly Ave. Sewing supplies.
• NW Creations and Collectibles, 364 NW Eastman Pkwy. Crafts. They are looking for another (cheaper) location.
• Oregon Flea Market, 16321 SE Stark St. Mexican flea market.
• PDX Halal Supermarket with Kabul Restaurant, 16223 NE Glisan St. Middle-east furnishings, grocery, and restaurant.
• Schedeen’s Nursery, 845 NE 10th St. Plants, farmer's market, gifts, and preserves; something for every season.
• Second Nature Pet Supply, 17 NW 1st St. Food, snacks, toys.
• Side Hustle Auctions and Thrift, 317 NE Roberts Ave.
• The Gresham Toy Shop, 126 N Main Ave. Toys, collectibles.
• The Other Side Nursery, 458 SE 185th Ave., #103, Rockwood Market. Wide variety of indoor plants, plus rocks and crystals.

Let’s visit these quirky shops and keep them going!

For a map showing the location of these shops, click this link.

Hello Gresham neighbors, I’m Emon Ghassemi, and I’m honored to serve as the Youth Services and Recreation Manager for the City of Gresham. Since joining the city in 2022, I’ve been dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for young people and families in our community. As I approach my third year in this role, I continue to be inspired by the resilience, energy, and potential of Gresham’s youth.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to expanding youth services, increasing access to recreation, and strengthening violence prevention efforts. One of my top priorities has been the East Multnomah Outreach Prevention Intervention (EMOPI) program, which we launched to address youth violence, provide intervention and mentorship, and connect young people with the resources they need to succeed. Through EMOPI, we’ve partnered with 18 community-based organizations to provide outreach, case management, and positive youth engagement throughout Gresham and East Multnomah County. This work is critical to ensuring that young people facing challenges have support systems in place rather than being pushed further into harm's way.

Our approach is holistic, data-driven, and deeply rooted in community collaboration. We’ve built partnerships with schools, law enforcement, behavioral health providers, and grassroots organizations to ensure that intervention efforts are preventative rather than reactive. Our goal is to interrupt cycles of violence, provide alternatives to exclusionary discipline, and create more opportunities for youth to succeed in school, work, and life. Through these efforts, we’re not only making an impact on individual lives but also strengthening the entire community by fostering safer neighborhoods, more engagement in positive activities, and greater investment in our city’s future generations.

In addition to our violence prevention efforts, I’ve been focused on revitalizing Gresham’s recreation programs to make sure families have access to safe, fun, and enriching activities. Whether it's summer camps, after-school programs, sports leagues, or citywide events, my goal is to create spaces where all young people feel included, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Recreation plays a crucial role in building connections, improving mental and physical well-being, and keeping youth engaged in positive experiences. My vision is to expand these programs so that every young person in Gresham has access to activities that inspire them and help them grow.

This March, I have the privilege of chaperoning four outstanding young leaders from Gresham to Washington, D.C. for the National League of Cities’ Congressional City Conference. Three of these youths represent the Reynolds School District. This experience will allow them to engage with elected officials, learn about public policy, and connect with youth leaders from across the country. As someone who believes deeply in the power of mentorship and civic engagement, I’m incredibly proud to support these young people as they represent Gresham on a national stage. These kinds of opportunities not only shape young minds but also empower them to become future leaders, advocates, and changemakers in their own communities.

A little about me. I was born in 1982 in Tehran, Iran, during the Iran-Iraq War, a time of great uncertainty and hardship for many families. My parents made the difficult decision to leave Iran when I was just over four years old because they wanted a better life for me and my sister, free from war and instability. We arrived in the United States and eventually made Oregon our home, where we worked hard to build a new life. Growing up as an immigrant, I experienced firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and trying to fit in while holding onto our heritage. Despite these challenges, I’ve always been grateful for the opportunities this country and this state have provided me.

I earned my B.A. in International Studies from Portland State University, where I developed a passion for understanding global issues, cultural dynamics, and social change. I later pursued my M.A. in Peace & Conflict Studies, which deepened my commitment to youth development, violence prevention, and creating pathways for young people to succeed. My education and life experiences have shaped my belief that every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves opportunities to thrive, learn, and contribute to their community.

Gresham has always felt like a special place to me. This city is full of passionate, hardworking people who care about their neighbors and are committed to making Gresham a great place to live. Whether I’m working with community-based organizations, collaborating with school districts, or organizing events for local families, I see firsthand the power of connection, mentorship, and community-driven solutions. I believe that when we invest in our youth, we invest in a stronger, safer, and more vibrant future for everyone. I’m proud of the work we’ve done through EMOPI, recreation, and youth outreach, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to expand and strengthen these efforts.

Looking forward, my focus will remain on growing these programs, deepening partnerships, and advocating for the resources our youth and families need. I welcome anyone who wants to get involved, whether you’re a parent, mentor, or community leader, because real change happens when we work together.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this incredible community. I look forward to continuing this work and seeing the positive impact we can create together!

Best,
Emon Ghassemi

Spring 2025 Newsletter "Diversity, Harmony, Community - Together 'WE' can make a difference!”

Read it now!

Spring 2025 Newsletter Inside This Issue: Slider the Otter returning to Nadaka Wilkes East Land Use Update Youth Activities in Gresham Quirky Shops in East County Advocating for Maternal Health

Download your copy here. (includes active web links)

¡Descargue nuestro boletín en español aquí!. (incluye enlaces web activos)

Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area 3 times per year, timed to correspond with our general meetings.

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Dog Days of Summer:  July 3 - August 11

The “dog days of summer” occur during the hottest and muggiest part of summer.

Dog Days of Summer?  Click to enlarge

The dictionary defines “dog days” as: 1:  the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere 2:  a period of stagnation or inactivity

But where does the term come from? Why do we call the hot, sultry days of summer “dog days?” Here's the answer...

In ancient times, when the night sky was free from artificial lights people in different parts of the world drew images in the sky by “connecting the dots” of stars. These star pictures are called constellations, and the constellations as we know them came from our European ancestors.

Ancient star gazer's saw images in the stars of bears (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), twins (Gemini), a bull (Taurus), and others objects, including dogs (Canis Major and Canis Minor). (more below...)

The brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius, which also happens to be the brightest star in the summer night sky. In the summer, Sirius, the “dog star”, rises and sets with the sun.

During late July, Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather they named the “dog days” -- after the dog star Sirius.

Summer sunset stars & constellations. Click to view"

The conjunction of Sirius with the sun varies somewhat with latitude. And the “precession of the equinoxes” (a gradual drifting of the constellations over time) means that the constellations today are not in exactly the same place in the sky as they were in ancient times. Today, the "dog days" occur during the period between July 3 and August 11.

And now you know!

Spring 2023 Newsletter "Diversity, Harmony, Community - Together 'WE' can make a difference!”

Read it now!

Spring 2023 Newsletter Inside This Issue: New Play Structure Nadaka Park City Replaces LED Streetlights Urban Forestry in Gresham Caught on Camera WENA Board Elections March 13th

Download your copy here. (includes active web links)

¡Descargue nuestro boletín en español aquí!. (incluye enlaces web activos)

Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area 3 times per year, timed to correspond with our general meetings.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

Let's Have a Parade When: Sat, Sep 24, 2022 10AM-12PM Where: Downtown Gresham Get Map!

Source: The Ouloook Online

Colorful floats, high school bands, teddy bears to march through downtown Gresham

After a two-year forced hiatus, teddy bears will make their way back into downtown Gresham this weekend.

The 40th annual Gresham Teddy Bear Parade, hosted by Soroptimist International of Gresham, will loop through downtown from 10AM to noon Saturday, Sep 24.

The many colorful floats, classic cars, high school bands and cheerleaders, horses, dogs, and, of course, teddy bears will all stage at longtime parade partner East Hill Church. The route winds along Miller, Main, Roberts and Hood avenues, and down Fifth Street to return to East Hill. All the way, streets will be lined with thousands of visitors. The parade will be emceed by Carol Nielsen and Greg Matthews, reclaiming their roles as comedic hosts at the corner of Main and Third.

This year there won't be any political candidates promoting the upcoming race, because organizers want the parade to double down on being a special day for kids.

Summer 2022 Newsletter "Diversity, Harmony, Community - Together 'WE' can make a difference!”

Read it now!

Summer 2022 Newsletter Inside This Issue: Adding Livability through Walking Summer 2022 Weather Outlook Meet Gresham’s New Police Chief New Bike Route In Wilkes East Citizen Volunteers in Policing

Download your copy here. (includes active web links)

Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area 3 times per year, timed to correspond with our general meetings.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

S-t-r-e-t-c-h  your grocery dollar!

Enjoy the freshest produce, flowers, and plant starts direct from the garden.

Healthy and fresh
Farmer’s markets are a fantastic source for fresh, seasonal, locally produced foods and artisan products. Plus, you'll find great activities and fun for the whole family. Come experience the markets. Meet the vendors. Meet local cooks. Enjoy the freshest produce and products. Make your own statement in support of local food.

Portland's Eastside Farmer's Markets

• Gresham Saturday Market (mid Apr-Sep)
• Gresham Farmers Market (May-Oct)
• Hollywood Farmers' Market (year-round)
• Lents International Farmers' Market (Jun-Nov)
• Montavilla Farmers Market (year-round)
• Portland Farmers Market (year-round)
• Other Area Farmers Markets

(Complete details on these area markets below)

You'll find plenty of root vegetables, braising greens and lettuces, and of course plant starts for your own vegetable garden.

Bring your reusable shopping bags and plenty of small bills, though some of the markets will trade you a credit/debit card for wooden tokens that all vendors accept, which can be easier to handle than cash. We've indicated those markets that accept EBT or other food assistant coupons.

When: Sun, Apr 03, 2022 1PM-5PM
Where: Rockwood Market Hall
Get Map!

The People's Market at Rockwood hosted by Play Grow Learn will showcase goods from vendors of all cultures. Produce and homemade goods from local Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) producers and growers will be featured, as well as:

• Healers who specialize in food and herb wellness
• Healthy services
• Farm-to-table meals and snacks
• Local organizations led by or serving BIPOC communities
• Double dollars offered on fresh produce items with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Electronic Benefit Transfer (SNAP/EBT).

During the cooler months, the market will operate inside the Rockwood Market Hall. During the warmer months, it will extend outdoors into the public plaza and will feature nearly 40 vendors.

Get there

• MAX: the Rockwood Market Hall is located just south of the Rockwood / East 188th MAX stop and is accessible on foot from both SE 185th and SE 187th avenues.
• Bus: a half block north of the TriMet Line 20, SE 187th and Stark bus stop.
• Drive: street parking is available nearby and parking is available in the Sunrise Center parking lot located just east of the 187th and Burnside intersection at 18901 E. Burnside St.

For more information, contact Germaine Flentroy, Market Coordinator, at 503-719-1821 or gflentroypgl@gmail.com.

Gardening Workshop When: Wed, Apr 06, 2022 6:30PM-8PM Where: Virtual workshop via Zoom

Join members of Friends of the Gresham Japanese Garden for a free online workshop. Instructor Jim Buck will cover how to improve your garden's health and our environment by growing organically. Learn about soil preparation and avoiding diseases.

Register for this online class

Learn more about the Gresham Japanese Garden or email info@greshamjapanesegarden.com.