August 2023

Koi Expo
August 26th
10am-3pm
Main City Park

Tsuru Soars
Friends of the Gresham Japanese Garden Newsletter• Tailored to teach adults how to care forkoi through healthy water, and soundmaintenance.
• What happens to a pond and koi when
the unexpected happens?
• Children can learn how to identify koi
by its Japanese name, and learn its
meaning.
10:00am: ‘What To Do If The
Unexpected Happens’ presentation
11:30am: ‘Interactive Water Quality’presentation
Children of the Sun Koi
Koi for sale
Koi Appreciation and Identification

Childrens Center
Koi Fishing 		Koi Matching Game
Koi Coloring Station
Origami Station
K.O.I. Informational Booth

Hosted by:
The Gresham Japanese Garden and the Northwest Koi & Goldfish Club,
NWKG.org

Volunteer Newsletter Editors: Sue Hughes and Mary Marrs. Photos by Bill Peterson.

Kyoudou Center Update

GJG’s goal is to complete construction of the Kyoudou Centerby early September, in time tohost a 4-day regional workshop for theNorth America Japanese Garden
Association (NAJGA).
There’s still a lot of work that needs
completed, and luckily, we’re aheadof schedule. Frankly, if it wasn’t for thework from Jim Card, and one of our mostdedicated volunteers Chuck Page, wewouldn’t be ahead of schedule.
Card says, “Chuck’s work ethic, andattention to detail, makes this remodel runsmoothly. And, he’s a really nice guy.”

PHOTOGRAPHER’S VIEW
twilight shadowson a summer eve
sunlit tree tops
- Bill Peterson
Jim and Chuck on a sunny day prepping the space.

Pinnacle Contractors is building the 8’
overhang now, and then it’s Page’s turnagain.
Taken from his days as a Shop teacher,Page will lead a group of volunteers tobuild the deck, stairs, and ADA ramp.
Soon you will also notice some quarryrocks being placed in the Kyoudou Entry
Garden. But completion won’t officiallyhappen until the NAJGA members
participate in a hands-on workshop tobuild the entry pathway nobedan led
by Francheska Snyder, owner of Niwa
Method, LLC.

Bicycle Repair Services in Main City Parkby Sue HughesF

ive years ago, Jim Card approached You’ll find Andrew stationed
me about his desire to offer aby the Coho Pavilion, justbicycle repair outlet at GJG. He saw north of Tsuru Island froma need with all the bike traffic coming
11am-2pm on the dates
through Ebetsu Plaza off of Springwater listed below.
Trail. I researched self-serve bicycle serBikes for Humanity PDX would like tovice stations and found some really nice grow their service in Gresham. If you’re aones. We didn’t pursue because funding novice and interested in learning about
was an issue, and we realized we needed bike repair, or experienced and can help
to stay focused on what we do best.
with repairs, Bikes for Humanity PDX
GJG has seen an increase in thewould like to hear from you. Stop by on
numbers of cyclists that take a break in
one of the days they’re at Main City Park.
Ebetsu Plaza, or stopping for lunch inThrough their donation program, you
Ambleside Annex. We are thrilled thatcan donate your bike. They will repair
Bikes for Humanity PDX is offering the
any issues, and then re-home to a needy
bike community hands-on bike repairs. individual. This past week I experienced
It exceeds Card’s vision!
Bikes for Humanity PDX is a non-profit
Inside Main City Park
bike shop and school located in SE
11am-2pm
Portland, with a pop-up repair station
Saturday, August 5
in Main City Park. Their mission is toTuesday, August 15
increase public access to affordable andSaturday,
September 9
safe bicycles, while empowering selfTuesday, September 19
sufficiency in bicycle maintenance andcommute.
Call or text Andrew
At their pop-up in Main City Park they503-496-6941 with any questions,provide free maintenance and repairs,
or email info@b4hpdx.org.
and an opportunity for people to donate
underutilized bikes for re-homing.

Andrew at Main City Park with his pop-up
repair station.

a re-homing. I went up to Andrew as
he was packing up after a Tuesday
repair day, and asked him how things
were going. He told me he had a great
day because he had just given a lady abike. Just then a woman, who clearly
appeared to be relearning how to ride,
rode past us on a shiny purple bike, withher granddaughter riding close behindher. What a great day for everyone!
See you at the park!

A Maintenance Endowment
There are more than 300 non-profit
organizations in North America witha Japanese garden. Most of theseorganizations need better funding formaintenance.
Some organizations have plentyof cash, but they tend to spend it onsalaries, and misguided items. Regular
maintenance seems boring, and thus
gets little attention and little funding.
The Gresham Japanese Garden is NOT
one of those organizations. First, we aresolely run by volunteers, and our bylaws
do not support paid staff. Secondly, welearned from the past mistakes of Tsuru
Island such as, not having maintenanceplan. And third, Jim Card’s backgroundas a landscape contractor was all aboutmaintaining spaces.

When GJG no longer has acapable group of volunteers
maintaining the spaces, thisendowment will provide a
steady stream of money formaintenance.
Additionally, this year ourengraver retired and John Clark,owner of Stamp Connection is
our new engraver. He offers a
Touchstone Paver walkway in Ebetsu Plaza.
process that is even better than
In 2018 when Ebetsu Plaza was created, we had before, and he’s donating hisservices!
the Touchstone Paver program wasCurrently the maintenance endowment
established too. One hundred percentof the proceeds from the paver program stands at $36,500.
Card’s goal isis deposited into an account managed$100,000. Helpby Dino Rocha at Edward Jones. Thisendowment also allows a tax-deductible us reach the goal.
Engraved pavers aremeans for donors to contribute to the$125 each. Order aGarden.
paver today.

Upcoming Happenings

Mark your calendars! Thanks to the cultural grant from the City of Gresham, we’re able to provide you with these events.
August 5

Hands-on Pruning Workshop, Onsite at Vanport International, 10am–4pm, $100:
https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/calendar/winter-courses-pruning-workshop/

August 8

Ikebana for Every Season, 1-2:30pm, $45:
https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/calendar/ikebana-for-every-season-6/

August 17 / 19 The Art of Bonsai, 1-3pm, $35: https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/bonsai-workshops/

New Entrance Sign

Much Needed Blinds

August 26

GARDEN TIPS
Look at what is blooming in various
pollinator gardens to help bees and otherpollinators survive through fall: goldenrod,
asters, zinnias, liatris, oregano, hydrangeas,
autumn joy sedum, hardy plumbago, etc.
They are worth considering for planting
next year.
August is also a good time to start fall
crops like; broccoli, lettuce, cauliflower,
arugula and peas. They may need some
protection from overly hot summer sun.
— Jim Buck, Garden Volunteer
and Organic Gardener

Koi Expo, 10am-3pm, Free (see back cover for details)
A family-friendly educational event for those new to the hobby, or are a Koi owner. A water quality 		
presentation, designated children’s area, origami stations and a chance to buy koi onsite!

September 10 ‘The Nature of Haiku’ Workshop, In-person with Michael Dylan Welch, 2-4pm, $15An exploration of haiku poetry with an emphasis on the seasonal and nature-focused aspects of this 		DEpoetry, covering such techniques as kigo, kireji, and shasei. Includes a nature walk, writing exercises and aREDUC
COST
sharing and feedback session. Thanks to the CIty of Gresham Cultural Grant, we are able to offer this 		workshop for a reduced cost. https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/series/haiku-workshop/
Tsuru Island’s interpretive sign has seen its
better days. Next month it will be replacedwith a new interpretive sign designed by
Sue Hughes, GJG’s graphic designer. Thissign will depict the history of Tsuru Island,
the formation of the Gresham Japanese
Garden, and a historical time line starting inthe early ‘1970s up to 2023.

With the window and doors installed,
exposing the interior of the Kyoudou Center,
was a nerve-racking time until our blinds
arrived.
Budget Blinds East Inc. did a super job on allaccounts—from customer service to installation, to cost.
Thank you Jodie and team.

October 14-15 Manga: A Brief History & Animation Workshop, 2-day workshop, $45 total
Brian Gonzales, a professional artist, will expose you to the rich cultural history of manga and engage 		you in the physical process of making a traditional cell-based animation. This workshop will be 		
followed by an art contest. Limited to 45 students. Reserve your spot now:
https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/calendar/manga-animation-workshop/
November 5

Online Auction Begins, Open House and Ikebana with Nana Bellerud, 2-4pm

Bicycle Repair Services in Main City Parkby Sue HughesF

ive years ago, Jim Card approached You’ll find Andrew stationed
me about his desire to offer aby the Coho Pavilion, justbicycle repair outlet at GJG. He saw north of Tsuru Island froma need with all the bike traffic coming
11am-2pm on the dates
through Ebetsu Plaza off of Springwater listed below.
Trail. I researched self-serve bicycle serBikes for Humanity PDX would like tovice stations and found some really nice grow their service in Gresham. If you’re aones. We didn’t pursue because funding novice and interested in learning about
was an issue, and we realized we needed bike repair, or experienced and can helpto stay focused on what we do best.
with repairs, Bikes for Humanity PDX
GJG has seen an increase in thewould like to hear from you. Stop by on
numbers of cyclists that take a break in
one of the days they’re at Main City Park.
Ebetsu Plaza, or stopping for lunch inThrough their donation program, you
Ambleside Annex. We are thrilled thatcan donate your bike. They will repair
Bikes for Humanity PDX is offering theany issues, and then re-home to a needy
bike community hands-on bike repairs. individual. This past week I experienced
It exceeds Card’s vision!
Bikes for Humanity PDX is a non-profit
Inside Main City Park
bike shop and school located in SE
11am-2pm
Portland, with a pop-up repair station
Saturday, August 5
in Main City Park. Their mission is toTuesday, August 15
increase public access to affordable andSaturday,
September 9
safe bicycles, while empowering selfTuesday, September 19
sufficiency in bicycle maintenance andcommute.
Call or text Andrew
At their pop-up in Main City Park they503-496-6941 with any questions,provide free maintenance and repairs,
or email info@b4hpdx.org.
and an opportunity for people to donate
underutilized bikes for re-homing.

Andrew at Main City Park with his pop-up
repair station.

a re-homing. I went up to Andrew as
he was packing up after a Tuesday
repair day, and asked him how things
were going. He told me he had a great
day because he had just given a lady abike. Just then a woman, who clearly
appeared to be relearning how to ride,
rode past us on a shiny purple bike, withher granddaughter riding close behindher. What a great day for everyone!
See you at the park!

A Maintenance Endowment
There are more than 300 non-profit
organizations in North America witha Japanese garden. Most of theseorganizations need better funding formaintenance.
Some organizations have plentyof cash, but they tend to spend it onsalaries, and misguided items. Regular
maintenance seems boring, and thus
gets little attention and little funding.
The Gresham Japanese Garden is NOT
one of those organizations. First, we aresolely run by volunteers, and our bylaws
do not support paid staff. Secondly, welearned from the past mistakes of Tsuru
Island such as, not having maintenanceplan. And third, Jim Card’s backgroundas a landscape contractor was all aboutmaintaining spaces.

When GJG no longer has acapable group of volunteers
maintaining the spaces, thisendowment will provide a
steady stream of money for
maintenance.
Additionally, this year ourengraver retired and John Clark,owner of Stamp Connection isour new engraver. He offers a
Touchstone Paver walkway in Ebetsu Plaza.
process that is even better than
In 2018 when Ebetsu Plaza was created, we had before, and he’s donating hisservices!
the Touchstone Paver program wasCurrently the maintenance endowment
established too. One hundred percentof the proceeds from the paver program stands at $36,500.
Card’s goal isis deposited into an account managed$100,000. Helpby Dino Rocha at Edward Jones. This
endowment also allows a tax-deductible us reach the goal.
Engraved pavers aremeans for donors to contribute to the$125 each. Order aGarden.
paver today.

Upcoming Happenings

Mark your calendars! Thanks to the cultural grant from the City of Gresham, we’re able to provide you with these events.
August 5

Hands-on Pruning Workshop, Onsite at Vanport International, 10am–4pm, $100:
https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/calendar/winter-courses-pruning-workshop/

August 8

Ikebana for Every Season, 1-2:30pm, $45:
https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/calendar/ikebana-for-every-season-6/

August 17 / 19 The Art of Bonsai, 1-3pm, $35: https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/bonsai-workshops/

New Entrance Sign

Much Needed Blinds

August 26

GARDEN TIPS
Look at what is blooming in various
pollinator gardens to help bees and otherpollinators survive through fall: goldenrod,asters, zinnias, liatris, oregano, hydrangeas,autumn joy sedum, hardy plumbago, etc.
They are worth considering for planting
next year.
August is also a good time to start fall
crops like; broccoli, lettuce, cauliflower,
arugula and peas. They may need some
protection from overly hot summer sun.
— Jim Buck, Garden Volunteer
and Organic Gardener

Koi Expo, 10am-3pm, Free (see back cover for details)
A family-friendly educational event for those new to the hobby, or are a Koi owner. A water quality 		
presentation, designated children’s area, origami stations and a chance to buy koi onsite!

September 10 ‘The Nature of Haiku’ Workshop, In-person with Michael Dylan Welch, 2-4pm, $15An exploration of haiku poetry with an emphasis on the seasonal and nature-focused aspects of this 		DEpoetry, covering such techniques as kigo, kireji, and shasei. Includes a nature walk, writing exercises and aREDUC
COST
sharing and feedback session. Thanks to the CIty of Gresham Cultural Grant, we are able to offer this 		workshop for a reduced cost. https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/series/haiku-workshop/
Tsuru Island’s interpretive sign has seen its
better days. Next month it will be replacedwith a new interpretive sign designed by
Sue Hughes, GJG’s graphic designer. Thissign will depict the history of Tsuru Island,
the formation of the Gresham Japanese
Garden, and a historical time line starting in
the early ‘1970s up to 2023.

With the window and doors installed,
exposing the interior of the Kyoudou Center,
was a nerve-racking time until our blinds
arrived.
Budget Blinds East Inc. did a super job on allaccounts—from customer service to installation, to cost.
Thank you Jodie and team.

October 14-15 Manga: A Brief History & Animation Workshop, 2-day workshop, $45 total
Brian Gonzales, a professional artist, will expose you to the rich cultural history of manga and engage 		you in the physical process of making a traditional cell-based animation. This workshop will be 		
followed by an art contest. Limited to 45 students. Reserve your spot now:
https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/calendar/manga-animation-workshop/
November 5

Online Auction Begins, Open House and Ikebana with Nana Bellerud, 2-4pm

August 2023

Koi Expo
August 26th
10am-3pm
Main City Park

Tsuru Soars
Friends of the Gresham Japanese Garden Newsletter• Tailored to educate pond owners how to carefor koi through healthy water, and sound pondmaintenance• Sue Kingston of K.O.I. presenting “What happens
to a pond and koi when the unexpected happens.”• Meet koi keepers from throughout the PacificNorthwest ready to share their knowledge andexperience.
• Children can learn how to identify koi by its
Japanese name, and learn its meaning.

10:00am: ‘What To Do If The
Unexpected Happens’ presentation
11:30am: ‘Interactive Water Quality’presentation
Children of the Sun Koi
Koi for sale
Koi Appreciation and Identification

Childrens Center
Koi Fishing 		Koi Matching Game
Koi Coloring StationOrigami StationK.O.I. Informational Booth

Hosted by:
The Gresham Japanese Garden and the Northwest Koi & Goldfish Club,
NWKG.org

Volunteer Newsletter Editors: Sue Hughes and Mary Marrs. Photos by Bill Peterson.

Kyoudou Center Update

G

JG’s goal is to complete construction of the Kyoudou Centerby early September, in time tohost a 4-day regional workshop for theNorth America Japanese Garden
Association (NAJGA).
There’s still a lot of work that needs
completed, and luckily, we’re aheadof schedule. Frankly, if it wasn’t for thework from Jim Card, and one of our mostdedicated volunteers Chuck Page, wewouldn’t be ahead of schedule.
Card says, “Chuck’s work ethic, andattention to detail, makes this remodel runsmoothly. And, he’s a really nice guy.”

PHOTOGRAPHER’S VIEW
twilight shadowson a summer eve
sunlit tree tops
- Bill Peterson
Jim and Chuck on a sunny day prepping the space.

Pinnacle Contractors is building the 8’
overhang now, and then it’s Page’s turnagain.
Taken from his days as a Shop teacher,Page will lead a group of volunteers tobuild the deck, stairs, and ADA ramp.
Soon you will also notice some quarryrocks being placed in the Kyoudou Entry
Garden. But completion won’t officiallyhappen until the NAJGA members
participate in a hands-on workshop tobuild the entry pathway nobedan led
by Francheska Snyder, owner of Niwa
Method, LLC.