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.
Got a story or tip to share?
Wilkes East residents are encouraged to submit articles and tips for the newsletter. Articles should be limited to 300-400 words and may be subject to editing. Include a related photo. Send by email to chair@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: 17104 NE Oregon St • Portland OR 97230.
Volunteers Needed
Newsletters are hand-delivered to Wilkes East residents and businesses by neighborhood volunteers. There are always routes that need delivery people. Routes are small and many. We can always use your help. To volunteer contact chair@wilkeseastna.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When: Sat, Apr 16, 2022 9AM-12PM Where: Columbia View Park
1000 NE 169th Ave. Get Map!
Join us at Columbia View Park to plant trees in celebration of Arbor Day. Make a lasting contribution to the health of our community by planting a tree.
The event's 5K run/walk, 10K and half marathon courses begin and end at Main City Park. Travel through quaint historic downtown and visit at least one of Gresham's scenic trails.
All registration fees benefit Family of Friends Mentoring in Gresham.
At this time the event is planned in-person, but will switch to a virtual run if public health guidelines still do not permit gatherings.
When: Tue, May 11, 2021 6PM-7:30PM Where: Gresham Japanese Garden
Main City Park Get Map!
Join members of the Friends of the Gresham Japanese Garden for a free class in the greenhouse. Learn about native host plants for butterflies and how to create a pollinator yard.
When: Sun, May 16, 2021 1PM-3:30PM Where: Online workshop<
Learn how to landscape for clean water and healthy habitat from the safety and comfort of home.
In this workshop, get to know the most common garden and landscape weeds, plus some notorious plant invaders in our area. We'll teach you some simple tips to try without turning to synthetic herbicides.
These free online classes are offered by the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. For more information, contact the EMSWCD office at 503-222-7645.
Thank You!
Wilkes East Neighborhood would like express our gratitude to the following for their generous contributions & continued support:
• Jazzy Bagels, Main St & Powell
• Parkrose Hardware, 106th & Sandy
• Growers Outlet, 162nd & Glisan
• SOLV, Bringing Oregon together
• Albertsons, 181st & Glisan
• And, all the many volunteers!
