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F i hruary 5. 1997 • T he P oru and O bserver
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uildings of Portland’s African-American History
Join the Boseo-Milligan Founda­
tion in celebrating Black History
month by participating in the first
community meeting for the founda­
tion's program "Buildings of Port­
land’s African American History” .
The free event will describe the
Foundation’s continuing effort to
identify buildings and sites associat­
ed with African- American individ­
uals, institutions and events.
In fall o f 1995, the Foundation
published Cornerstones of Com m u­
nity: Buildings of Portland’s Afri­
can-American History.
A dedicated team of professional
historians (Dr. Darrell Millner. Dr.
Carl Abbott. Dr Q um tard Taylor,
M cK in ley Burt and K im berly
Moreland) was supported by a com­
munity-based History Committee, to
tell the story of Portland's African-
American community by connect­
ing people with places, up through
the early 1970s.
Cornerstones documented 325 ex
isting buildings where A frican-
American History happened! That
extensive publication linked build­
ings to individuals, institutions, and
events in Portland’s African-Amer­
ican History.
As hoped, many people have ex­
pressed their interest in helping to
“fill in the gaps” in Cornerstones
and add many more people and plac­
es. An expanded publication with
photographs will be developed by
September 1997.
At the February 15th meeting, a
slide show of significant buildings
from the 1995 publication will be
shown. The Program W orkshop
will describe the project more fully,
and seek individuals for the Com ­
munity History Committee. In par­
ticular, we hope for the participation
of people willing to share theirexpe-
riences. memories, and any photo­
graphs and information related to
African-American individuals, in­
stitutions, buildings and events.
This program is partially sup­
ported by funding from the State
Historic Preservation Office, Black
United Fund, The Oregon Council
$$$ Available For Home Improvement
Most homeowners are unaware
that regardless of their income there
are Federal, state and local programs
that will help them repair and re
model their homes.
Government at all levels recog­
nizes that neighborhoods are the
basis of life in our country. When a
neighborhood deteriorates, many
things happen both physically and
socially. When the homes look shab­
by, a neighborhood seems more at­
tractive to crime and criminals. An
area in decline is like a spreading
cancer. As homes become shabby
looking and in need of maintenance,
the residents lose their desire to keep
up the neighborhood. Streets be­
come receptacles for trash, schools
lower their standards and very quick­
ly the selling price of homes in the
area drops sharply. This accelerates
the cycle of degeneration.
In order to keep and maintain the
nation’s housing and neighborhoods,
government at all levels have pro­
grams to give homeowners money
(that does not have to be repaid) for
repairs or to lend them money at
below market levels or at no interest.
In many areas utility companies will
either do energy conservation work
free or at low cost and in other places
will lend homeowners money at no
interest to pay the contractor of their
choice for the necessary work In
addition there are tax incentives to
promote efficient energy use.
These programs are not restricted
to low-income people, slum areas or
urban neighborhoods. Owners of
single or multi-family dwellings are
eligible. W hile the grants do not
have to be repaid, most of the loans
offer low or no-interest, long terms
and low payments.
Some of the other home improve­
ments covered under these programs
are: attic and wall insulation, new
windows, outerwall siding, security
doors, and locks, window guards,
sidewalks and masonry work, bath-
rooins and kitchens, electrical and
plumbing, new roofs, gutters, and
downspouts.
Consumer Education Research
Center, a national non-profit con­
sumer group formed in 1969, has
just published the 192 large-page,
1996 edition of Consumers Guide to
Home Repair Grants and Subsidized
loans which lists over 6,(XX) sources
of loan and grant programs offered
by Federal, state and local govern­
ment, utility companies and others;
typical programs offered and how to
qualify. Form letters for inquiries to
these loan and grant sources are
included as well as detailed instruc­
tions on determining your debt-to-
income ratio for eligibility. ($17.95
plus $3 p&h from CERC Grants,
1980 Springfield Ave, Maplewood,
NJ 07040 or 800-872-0121). More
information can be found on the
W o rld
W ide
W eb
h ttp ://
w w w .p la n e t.n e t/c e rc .o r E -M ail
cerc@ planet.net.
Robert L. Berko, ‘executive di­
rector of CERC, tells us, “Some pro­
grams have no income ceiling and
others allow income of as much as
$50,000 per year or more. There are
even programs for which tenants are
eligible and many allow loans to
poor credit risks. In many areas,
people with disabilities can receive
grants to pay for needed repairs such
as access ramps and widening of
doorways.” Mr. Berko was awarded
a $5000 grant and a $4,(XX) interest
free loan.
Since it is important that the work
be done properly, the book includes
a section describing the rough cost
of the cost of many jobs as well as
advice on picking a contractor, ne­
gotiating a contract, and insuring
that the work is done properly and
for a fair price. And to help you
communicate with your contractor,
lawyer and lender, the book includes
a dictionary of terms used by these
professionals.
What are the nutrient values of organic fertilizers?
by Carol Savonen 541-737-3380
S o u rc f: Ross Penhallegon, 541-
687-4243
Do you ever ready garden books
that recommend chemical fertiliz­
ers with a certain N-P-K (nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium) ratios?
If you are an organic gardener,
these numbers can be frustrating.
Manure and other organic materials
often d o n ’t come with N-P-K rat­
ings, especially if they are purchased
in bulk quantities.
Organic gardeners are now in
luck. Ross Penhallegon, horticultur­
ist with the Oregon State University
Extension Service, has collected in­
formation about the nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)
content of many of the organic sub­
stances commonly used as fertilizer
in Oregon, including green manure
crops such as crimson clover and
alfalfa.
His report, “Values o f Organic
Fertilizers,” also contains informa­
tion about how quickly an organic-
fertilizer releases avai lable nutrients
and a reference list on organic gar­
dening.
“One of the most difficult things
to determine for an organic gardener
is how much organic fertilizer to
use, say on 1,000 square feet of
garden,” said Penhallegon. “For a
fertilizer with an N_P_K ratio of 12-
11 -2, this means 12 percent is nitro­
gen, 11 percent is phosphorus and 2
percent is potassium. In simple terms,
this means each 100-pound bag of
the fertilizer w ould contain 12
pounds of nitrogen, 11 pounds phos­
phorus and 2 pounds nitrogen.
“For example, using 12-11-2 fer­
tilizer, if we knew we wanted to
apply one pound of nitrogen, we
would use 1-12th of 100 pounds,” he
added “This equals about eight
pounds of this fertilizer applied to
get on pound of nitrogen out there in
The Care A nd F inishing O f Wood Windows
(NAPS)—Wood windows can
yield many years of beauty and
smooth, satisfying performance.
But you need to start taking care
of your in v e stm e n t from the
minute the windows are delivered.
Care and in stallation tips
When p u rch a sin g windows,
specify that the sash and frames
be factory-treated with a water-
repellent preservative approved
by the N ational Wood Window
and Door Association (NWWDA I.
See that the windows arrive in a
clean truck and were kept under­
cover in wet w eather. When
unloading, wear clean workgloves
to prevent finger marks. Windows
should be carried; never dragged. A
dropped or sharply jarred window
unit may result in broken glass or a
broken glazing seal th a t could
develop premature seal failure.
Cover and store your new win­
dows in a clean, dry, well-ventilat­
ed building. Windows should be
conditioned to the average pre­
vailing hum idity of the locality
before installing.
In a home under construction,
install the windows after the plas­
te r or cem ent is dry. Always
install and fit windows using good
building practice and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
In sta ll proper, close-fitting
locks. When opening or closing
windows, always use the handle
or lift.
Remember, in colder climates,
windows should be fitted with
storm sash or ordered w ith
insulated glass to help prevent
condensation on glass surfaces.
F in ish in g wood w indow s
Make sure the surface is clean
and dry before painting or stain­
ing. Use only high-grade materials
Cover and store
new windows in a
clean, dry,
well-ventilated
building.
®
and follow instructions carefully to
insure a beautiful appearance and
enduring performance.
Sand lig htly w ith fine g rit
sandpaper and clean before apply­
ing the finish; sand once more
between coats. Each coat should
be applied evenly, making certain
surfaces are dry before applying
the next coat.
Apply an oil-based prime coat
and two or three coats of paint to
the interior. Or, if you desire a nat­
ural finish, apply a coat of sanding
sealer and two coats of urethane.
Do not use a latex paint without an
oil-based prime coat.
Apply three coats of quality
trim paint to the exterior of primed
windows w ithin six m onths of
installation. Be careful not to paint
the weatherstrip. Overlap paint or
urethane on glass to seal the glaz­
ing seal joint. Do not break this
seal when removing paint from
glass surfaces or when cleaning the
windows.
Aluminum-clad or vinyl-clad
windows provide a protective low-
maintenance exterior while main­
taining superior thermal perfor­
mance. These ex terio rs do not
require finishing. C onsult the
m anufacturer’s instructions for
care and cleaning.
For more information, visit the
NWWDA Internet home page at
http://www.nwwda.org.
the soil ”
Cover crops generally release t heir
nutrients slowly, over a period of
two to six months, said Penhallegon.
Nutrient values for cover crops in­
clude: alfalfa (2.5 - 5.2), crimson
clover (2-0.2-2), Australian winter
peas (3-0-1 ), annual rye (1-0-1 ).
Bloodmeal (12.5-1.5-0.6), bat
guano (8-5-1.5) and many of the
manures (variable nutrient contents)
release their nutrients over a period
o f two to six weeks
Burned eggshell (O-.5-.3), fish
emulsion (5-1-1) and urea (urine)
46-0-0) arc the fastest-acting organ­
ic fertilizers, lasting only aco upleof
weeks.
To boost the nitrogen content of
your soils, apply nitrogen rich urea
(42-46 percent N), feathers ( 15 per­
cent N), blood meal (12.5 percent
N), bat guano (12.3 percent N) or
dried blood ( 12 percent N). Manures
are usually less expensive than other
animal by-products.
Organic am endm ents highest in
phosphorus include rock phosphate
(20-33 percent P), bone meal (15-27
percent P) and colloidal phosphate
(17-25 percent P).
High in potassium are kelp (4-13
percent K), wood ash (3-7 percent
K). granite meal (3-6 percent K )and
greensand (5 percent K).
To make soil less acidic, garden­
ers want materials rich in calcium,
including clam shells, ground shell
marl, oyster shells, wtxid ashes dolo­
mite and gypsum (all are at least 30
percent calcium carbonate or straight
the Foundation Office at 231-7264.
The Boseo-M illigan Foundation is a
non-profit organization whose pur­
pose is to establish the Architectural
Heritage Center at 701 SE Grand
Avenue in the W est’s Block Build­
ing, theoldest building in Portland’s
Central Eastside.
Project Kick-Off and Community
M eeting Saturday, February 15,
1997, 10:00 a.tri. to 12:00 noon at
Mt S in a i C o m m u n ity B aptist
Church 602 NE Prescott, Admis­
sion is tree.
Key Bank receives grant to
fund affordable apartments
individual in the greater Portland
area). Located at 2202 SE 44th
Avenue in Hillsboro, the project
will offer residents supportive ser­
vices, including on-site care and
peer counseling.
ASI expects to begin construc­
tion in April 1997 and complete the
project in December 1997. ASI is
using the AHP grant to pay closing
costs for the project. Other funding
sources for the $2.0 million project
include the Department of Housing
and Urban Developm ent’s Section
81 I program. Washington County
Home funds and the State of Ore­
gon Housing and Community Ser­
vices Trust Fund.
A total of seven affordable hous­
ing developments in Oregon re­
ceived AHP grants this year. In
1996, the Seattle Bank awarded a
total of $7.3 million to 63 programs
in the region. AHP grants leverage
additional funding from financial
institutions, governments and pri­
vate donations. The Federal Home
Loan Bank of Seattle’s mission is to
expand housing and economic op­
portunities in the region by provid­
ing funding an other banking ser­
vices essential to community-based
financial institutions.
A partnership between the Fed­
eral Home Loan Bank of Seattle and
Key Bank will help build 25. acces­
sible apartments in Hillsboro for
lower-income, adults with physical
d isa b ilitie s. The S e a ttle Bank
awarded a $I(X).(X)O grant to Key
Bank, which will use it to help
Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) and its
tw o local, n o n p ro fit p a rtn e rs,
QUAD. Inc. and Metro Community
D evelopm ent C orporation, con­
struct the H illsboro Supportive
Housing Development, announced
James R Faulstich. president and
chief executive officer of the Feder­
al Home Loan Bank of Seattle.
A private, wholesale bank, the
Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle
is providing the grant through its
Affordable Housing Program (AHPi
which offers targeted grants and re­
duced-rate loans to help financial
institutions support community or­
ganizations with the development of
affordable housing.
ASI, a nonprofit organization,
will build and operate 25 apart­
ments for individuals with mobility
impairments, including those with
traumatic brain injuries. Residents
may earn up to $ 15.550 per year (30
percent of median income lor an
abric
calcium).
T oobtain a to p y o f Penhallegon’s
“Values of Organic Fertilizers,” send
a request and include a self-ad-
dressed, stamped, legal-sized enve­
lope with two ounces o f postage to:
Lane County Office, OSU Exten­
sion Service, 950 W est 13th Ave.,
Eugene, OR 97402.
Home Buyers Find N ew Ways To Save
(NAPS)—More and more home
buyers are finding they can
acquire the home of their dreams
by buying one that’s factory built.
M anufactured housing is the
fastest-grow ing segment of the
home-building industry and one
out of every th re e homes sold
today is factory built.
Industry experts say some of
the major reasons for the manu­
factured housing boom include
improved manufacturing quality,
a wider selection of amenities, and
continued affordability compared
to site-built homes.
Manufactured homes are avail­
able for many budgets—from a sin­
gle-section unit to a multi-section
home with cathedral ceilings and
fireplaces. Prices range between
$15,000 and $100,000.
The growing popularity of facto­
ry-built homes is also increasing
aw areness of propane gas, an
energy source that’s economical for
new home sites located beyond
natural gas mains.
Many manufactured home buy­
ers are choosing to purchase homes
with propane gas appliances for
cost-efficiency, reliability and clean
performance. Although the pur­
chase price of a m anufactured
home with propane gas appliances
can be slightly higher than a home
with electric appliances, homeown­
ers quickly recover this cost and
earn long-term savings.
Propane gas w ater heaters
alone can save money, since water
h e a te rs are the second largest
energy users in most homes. The
U.S. Department of Energy reports
propane gas water heaters cost
about $12 less a month to operate
than comparable electric units.
Over its average life, a propane gas
for ihc Humanities, and a territory
resource.
There is no fee for attending, but
pre-registration is requested by call­
ing the Foundation Office at 231-
7264, so we can plan for handouts
and refreshments.
The Foundation gives a special
thanks to Mt. Sinai Baptist Church
for hosting the event.
You can park on the street or in
the parking lot at the corner o f 6th
and NE Skidmore.
For additional information call
THE LARGEST, MOST COMPLETE RETAIL FABRIC STORE IS THE WEST
February 4 through February 18,1 9 9 7
5th Anniversary
MAILER SALE!
30% OFF
Many manufactured home
buyers are choosing to have
homes with pre-installed pro­
pane gas appliances for cost
savings and comfort._________
w a te r h e a te r can save about
$2,000 over an electric unit.
Homeowners can realize even
greater savings when whole-house
heating system s and other sys­
tems such as dryers, ranges and
fireplaces are fueled by propane
gas. Heating a home with propane
gas costs an average of 2-1/2 times
less per unit of energy than with
electricity, according to recent U.S.
Department of Energy figures.
Propane gas fireplaces are also
a good choice, producing twice as
much heat as wood-burning fire
places at about a third of the cost.
The U.S. Departm ent of Energy
estimates that a propane gas fire­
place system will cost 30 to 60 per­
cent less per hour of operation
than wood-burning fireplaces.
Propane gas is an increasingly
popular energy choice whether a
home is custom -built, tra c t or
manufactured. Currently, 14 mil­
lion U.S. households use this effi­
cient energy source.
F o r m ore in fo r m a tio n on
propane gas, call 1-800-4LP-GAS2
or v isit the N ational Propane
G as A sso c ia tio n web s ite a t
http://www.propanegas.com.
Everything in
the store*
SPECIAL SALE
2 DAYS ONLY -
FEBRU AR Y 1 4 -1 5
40
% OFF
ALL FABRIC
extended hours Saturday open til 9pm
Limited to stock on hand!
50 OFF
ON THISE PATTERNS
• McCall's • Simplicity • Vogue
• Rutterick * Burda
Lome See Our Sew
International loud Area!
Indonesian hits X spites.
Flavored Oils & Vinegars and
Belgian Chocolates
BE SURE TO CHECK OUR STORE FOR “MANAGER’S SPECIALS’’
•Discounts do not appl\ to special purchase or prcMoush discounted « marked down items 2/4 ihm 2 /IK 9 7
1 84
Rl IMI HOI RS:
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7 s W r q
$
M( ) V IR IlHiu.ini-‘)i)0jvm
S M l RDM 9 00.un’ pm
S| \ |) \S IOHD.im” pm
WHOLES M l HOI RS
★
M O V I Rl " Ao.im-5 AOptn
NAII RDM 90O.un-Spm
s| \|» M I I nO.im ipm
RETAIL -WHOLESALE
Plenty of FREE PARKING
CARS • BU SES • RVs
700 S.E. 122nd Ave
Portland, OR
2 5 2 -9 5 3 0