The Weekly OKNA Email 5/11/12
Enjoy a beautiful and sunny week, Overlook!
1) OKNA General Membership Meeting (5/15)
2) Police Appreciation Day (5/15)
3) Emergency Preparedness Presentation (5/19)
4) Neighborhood Violence Prevention Committee (5/15)
5) N Portland Greenway Trail Alignment Project Open House (5/16)
6) Earthquake Retrofitting Your Home (5/19)
7) FYI Night Flights (5/15-5/18)
Bike/Non-Bike Opportunity Rose Festival Volunteering (deadline)
----------------------------------------
1) OKNA General Membership Meeting (5/15)
Join us this Tuesday evening for our monthly meeting with a public safety report highlighted by more information about the recent raid at N Montana; a report from our neighborhood district office, NPNS; news from the Organic Brewer’s Festival, slated for June in Overlook Park and at least one other really good thing that escapes me now. Come to the meeting to find out!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Kaiser Town Hall Building
3704 N Interstate Ave @ Overlook Blvd
----------------------------------------
2) Police Appreciation Day (5/15)
We would like to invite you to come and celebrate the Police Officers that serve our community. There will be presentations, entertainment from youth /community members. There will be food, laughter and fun.
May 15, 2012
Open House from 2:00pm to 5:00pm
North Precinct Community Room
449 N.E Emerson Portland Oregon 97211
Questions? Miki at SEI 503-249-1721 x302, Pam at YVPP 503-988-6250 x25043, Antoinette at OYVP 503-823-3584
“In Memory of many, in honor of ALL” National Police Week May 13-19, 2012
----------------------------------------
3) Emergency Preparedness Presentation (5/19)
Free Emergency Preparedness Presentation at Holladay Park Plaza. Learn what do do during an emergency, big or small, sponsored by Kerns Neighborhood Emergency Team.
May 19, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Holladay Park Plaza, 1300 NE 16th Ave.
Representatives from our Fire and Police departments, the Red Cross, Homeland Security and area Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) will be present to answer your questions. Refreshments provided. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to bsimonen@yahoo.com
----------------------------------------
4) Neighborhood Violence Prevention Committee (5/15)
HOW DO WE STOP VIOLENCE? Want to Make Your Neighborhood Safer? Come to the First Meeting of the Northeast Portland Neighborhood Violence Prevention Committee.
In Portland we are proud of being one of our nation’s most livable cities-but we still struggle with violent crime in our neighborhoods and communities. Want to help make Portland safer for everyone, especially our youth? Join the Mayor’s office, police officers, teachers, community organizers and counselors as a member of the new committee focused on preventing violence in your neighborhood. Meetings are monthly in Northeast and East Portland-the neighborhoods most affected by crime and violence affecting youth.
WHEN Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Jefferson High School, Hospitality Blazer Room 5210 N Kerby
Learn about current trends in violence affecting youth and get crime prevention tips and information.
- Hear about services and agencies working to prevent violence in our neighborhoods and how you can assist.
- Help determine next steps for keeping youth and our communities safe.
- Make a di‑erence and work for a better, safer Portland.
- Don’t just read the headlines-be a part of the solution.
More information? Antoinette Edwards / 503-823-3584 / Antoinette.edwards@portlandoregon.gov
----------------------------------------
5) N Portland Greenway Trail Alignment Project Open House (5/16)
Hope you can join us to see updated maps of the trail alignment!
Wednesday, May 16
University of Portland, Chiles Center, Hall of Fame Room
6:30-8:30, presentation to start at 7:00
Questions? Contact Mary Jaron Kelley 503-823-4099 or mary@npnscommunity.org
----------------------------------------
6) Earthquake Retrofitting Your Home (5/19)
Join ONeST for our Earthquake Home Retrofit Workshop (with North Portland Tool Library) on May 19. We’ll learn how to bolt our houses to their foundations. Email Gerry Howard of the NPTL at Gerald.Howard@bankofthewest.com to register, and tell him you are an Overlook resident - we are reserving half of the 20 spots for neighbors.
----------------------------------------
7) FYI Night Flights (5/15-5/18)
The Oregon Military Department says F-15 jets are scheduled to fly over Portland next week as part of a routine training exercise. The Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing will be conducting night flying training on May 15 - 18 and all flying is planned to be completed before 10 p.m. Night flight training exercises are scheduled throughout the year to keep pilots and aircraft maintenance staff in accordance with U.S. Air Force requirements.
----------------------------------------
Bike/Non-Bike Opportunity Rose Festival Volunteering (deadline)
2012 Portland Rose Festival Association's Grand Floral Parade - Volunteers Needed -
The Portland Police Bureau needs your help to make this year’s Grand Floral Parade another success. Volunteer duties include working at fixed barricade positions and also riding bicycles along the parade route. The approximate times are from 6:30 am to 2pm, but may vary depending on assignments and locations. To sign up or if you would like more information, please contact: Sergeant Mark Snyder Mark.Snyder@portlandoregon.gov or #503-823-4800.
Please respond as soon as possible as the Police Bureau needs to get their list of volunteers together and organized as soon as possible.
Thank you for your help and time!!
The Weekly OKNA Email 5/4/12
Your weekly Overlook Neighborhood email round up; as usual, there’s lots going on!
1) Family game night fundraising at Jefferson High School (Tonight! 5/4)
2) Tool Sharpening Workshop (5/5)
3) Overlook Livability Team Clean UP (5/6)
4) Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group (5/9)
5) Portland Harbor Draft Feasibility Study (5/10)
6) Earthquake Home Retrofit Workshop (5/19 – RSVP now)
7) Free Spay/Neuter Clinics for Feral and Stray Cats (May)
Village Building Convergence Volunteers Needed (6/2)
------------------------------------
1) Family game night fundraising at Jefferson High School (Tonight! 5/4)
Board games, video, and card games, as well as dinner and a raffle to benefit Jefferson Parent Teacher Student Association. 6 p.m., more info here or contact 503-341-2973 or taniapdx@gmail.com
------------------------------------
2) Tool Sharpening Workshop (5/5)
North Portland Tool Library Tool Sharpening Workshop
Saturday May 5th 2012
10:00am -2:00pm (drop-ins welcome)
Learn basic tool sharpening & maintenance techniques to extend the lives & make the most of your tools
Includes: shears, pruners, hoes, shovels, lawn mower blades (gas & electric only), etc. (sorry, no culinary knives)
Bring your own tools or learn by sharpening some of the Library’s tools
Suggested donation to the NPTL: $2 per tool
held at:
SALVAGE WORKS
2030 N Willis Blvd Portland, OR 97217 (another great neighborhood resource)
For info, call NPTL @ (503) 823-0209
------------------------------------
3) Overlook Livability Team Clean UP (5/6)
The Overlook Livability Team (OLT) meets this Sunday morning at 9am, at DiPrima Dolci, 1936 North Killingsworth St. They’ll break out into smaller teams and hit their neighborhood clean up duties. Bravo to these generous neighbors! If you’d like to join them, email graffiti@OverlookNeighborhood.org and get some details, or meet up on Sunday morning.
Scheduled clean up dates 2012: June 3, July 1, August 5, September 9, October 7, November 4, December 2
------------------------------------
4) Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group (5/9)
You are invited to attend the Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group meeting on Wednesday, May 9, 2012.
Meetings of the Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group (PH CAG) are intended to keep the community abreast of developments on the Portland Harbor Superfund Site and to provide a forum for discussion. PH CAG meetings are open to everyone. We encourage you to step forward to share your concerns and advice.
Date: Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: 6543 N Burlington Avenue (Portland BES Water Pollution Control Lab)
------------------------------------
5) Portland Harbor Draft Feasibility Study (5/10)
You are invited to attend the Public Information Session for Portland Harbor Draft Feasibility Study
Date: Thursday, May 10
Time: 6 -8 pm, Open House, 5:30-6 pm
Location: Ecotrust Building—Billy Frank Jr. Conf. Room, 721 NW 9th Ave., Portland, Oregon
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now reviewing the draft Feasibility Study for the Portland Harbor Superfund Site. The Feasibility Study is the mechanism for the development, screening, and detailed evaluation of different cleanup plans and methods. It is also now available for review by the public at the Multnomah County Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave., or from the EPA website at www.epa.gov/region10/portlandharbor.
EPA is holding a public information session to provide an overview of the draft feasibility study on May 10. This session will include:
· Information about cleanup alternatives
· Site background information
· Discussion of effect on the community
· Next steps for making clean up decisions
· Opportunities for public involvement
In addition, an open house is scheduled before the session. During the open house, you can speak with representatives from EPA, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, LWG, Tribal governments, Natural Resource Trustees and the Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group.
------------------------------------
6) Earthquake Home Retrofit Workshop (5/19 – RSVP now)
Join ONeST for our Earthquake Home Retrofit Workshop (with North Portland Tool Library) on May 19. We’ll learn how to bolt our houses to their foundations. Email Gerry Howard of the NPTL at Gerald.Howard@bankofthewest.com to register, and tell him you are an Overlook resident - we are reserving half of the 20 spots for neighbors.
------------------------------------
7) Free Spay/Neuter Clinics for Feral and Stray Cats (May)
Event date: May 1, 2012 → May 31, 2012
Event location: The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon
The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO) will host free spay/neuter clinics for feral and stray cats throughout the entire month of May. Space is limited so call today! Why May? In the spring months, cats begin to breed and are more likely to produce kittens. Cats can reproduce as early as five months old, but can be safely spayed and neutered at two months old.
What can you do to help? If you or someone you know is feeding feral or stray cats, please call 503.797.2606 today or visit www.feralcats.com for more information.
------------------------------------
Village Building Convergence Volunteers Needed (6/2)
ONeST, the Overlook Sustainability Team is sponsoring an Intersection Repair project for this year’s Village Building Convergence. A massive mural is planned for the equally massive intersection of N Overlook Blvd, N Melrose, N Concord and N Failing. Helpers are needed for all sorts of tasks; please see the article in Overlook Views for details.
If community building, artwork, street painting or just trading some work for good food with neighbors sounds interesting to you, please visit the VBC/City Repair website http://vbc.cityrepair.org or contact organizer Leslee Lewis directly: 503.703.3702 or kgllport@aol.com
The Weekly OKNA Email 4/27/12
Hiya, Overlook! We’re happy to report some good news on the Public Safety front; those of you who’ve attended an OKNA meeting have surely heard stories about the “House on the Hill”, considered by police to be one of the worst problem properties in the city. This week, with help and input from many departments and neighbors, police staged an early morning raid. Read the news & see the video here: http://www.kgw.com/home/Police-raid-suspected-N-Portland-drug-house-fencing-operation-148870245.html
Also, some little context and thanks from neighbor Brett: http://blog.oregonlive.com/my-portland/2012/04/north_portland_drug_house_fina.html
More details will be presented at your next OKNA general meeting, Tuesday, May 15..be there!
1) Free Seismic Home-Improvement Class (4/30)
2) Dog Off-Leash Program Advisory Group Meeting (5/2)
3) Meet the Storyteller (Mondays)
4) Incredible Edibles Plant Sale 2012 (5/5)
5) Village Building Convergence Map Posted
---------------------------------------------
1) Free Seismic Home-Improvement Class (4/30)
Area residents are invited to learn the basic steps involved in reducing the likelihood of earthquake damage to their homes.
BDS inspections manager Jim Nicks will provide an overview of the permitting and construction processes required for seismic home-improvement projects, including a show-and-tell explanation of needed materials. PBEM Director Carmen Merlo will share her own recent experience bracing her century-old house against earthquakes. She’ll also share tips for securing everyday household items.
Last year’s magnitude 9.0 earthquake in Japan served as a reminder that all Pacific Rim cities, including Portland , are at risk for such a major event. Volunteers from Portland ’s Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) program will also be on hand to share information about community training and preparedness.
Residential Seismic Strengthening Presentation
Monday, April 30, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Harriet Tubman Leadership Academy for Young Women
2231 North Flint St
Free
More Info: http://www.portlandonline.com/oem/index.cfm?a=394571
---------------------------------------------
2) Dog Off-Leash Program Advisory Group Meeting (5/2)
Wednesday, May 2
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Portland Building , 1120 SW 5th Ave.
Room C, Second Floor
Meeting Goals:
Review existing leash and scoop law enforcement issues
Provide feedback on leash and scoop law enforcement issues and next steps
Review options for continued engagement of off-leash area users
Recommend preferred option(s) for ongoing engagement
Questions/RSVP Ali Ryan - 503-823-2967 or Ali.Ryan@PortlandOregon.gov www.PortlandParks.org
---------------------------------------------
3) Meet the Storyteller (Mondays)
Jerry Cowan is a long time Overlook resident and has a current approval by the State of Oregon Child Care Division background check to work with children. Jerry hosts a free storytelling hour at The Overlook House, 3839 N. Melrose drive, every Monday Afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30 PM with stories, games toys and songs to entertain children from around six months through elementary grades. This is an opportunity for parents to relax, meet the neighbors and enjoy some quality time with their children. The stories are based on ancient Native American legends and myths and are meant to inspire an appreciation for our forests and the animals that inhabit them. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
---------------------------------------------
4) Incredible Edibles Plant Sale 2012 (5/5)
FREE ADMISSION Everyone welcome
Saturday, May 5th 10am-3pm
All Saints School - 601 NE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd (formerly NE 39th Ave).
Your opportunity to buy organic veggie starts and herbs for your home garden so you can harvest nutritious, fresh-picked goodness for your table! To ‘Get the Real Dirt’ OSU Extension-trained Master Gardner Volunteers will be on site to answer your gardening questions. “Plant, Grow, Eat” workshops are scheduled throughout the day. Raffle Prizes! Purchase and have an opportunity to win a $250 Gift Card to Portland Nursery, a 2 night stay at Portland Urban Cottage, a 2 night stay at Eagle Crest Resort, certificates for local sustainability-minded restaurants, garden gear, plants and more. Proceeds from the sale further the work of the Multnomah County Master Gardeners whose mission is to support the OSU Extension Service Master Gardener program and to educate the public about all aspects of successfully and sustainably growing and caring for plants.
For more information go to www.metromastergardeners.org/multnomah/plantsale or email multmastergardeners@gmail.com, or call 503-445-4608.
---------------------------------------------
5) Village Building Convergence Map Posted
From the OKNA Facebook page (‘like’ our page for midweek updates, feedback and notes from your neighbors and other interesting items: www.facebook.com/OKNAinPDX) we see that the VBC map has been posted and there are three projects in Overlook this season.
If you haven’t yet checked out the VBC and its community building, beautifying City Repair activities, please do so! We’ll be seeing more of these projects in the future: http://vbc.cityrepair.org/sites
If you would like to participate in an Overlook VBC project, please contact Leslee Lewis, kgllport@aol.com or 503.703.3702 for a unique opportunity to paint one of the largest intersection repairs ever undertaken in Portland! There are opportunities at every skill level and all talents are needed. Come join in, get fed and enjoy some Overlook community building!
Write to Portland City Council
I neglected to post these on Friday; I hope you all had a great weekend .. who was going to sit inside and write emails anyway? but now that cooler temps are forecast again, I hope you’ll read the couple of posts below here and write to the City Council members to let them know that Overlook neighbors take their public safety programs seriously
Budget Cuts Slated for Graffiti Abatement Program
As noted in the weekly email, the Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) is due, like many programs, for budget cuts. Specifically, the graffiti abatement and crime prevention coordinator programs.
The following letter was sent to the mayor and city commissioners, arguing for the Office of Neighborhood Involvement in the coming budget. The author is an active volunteer with the Overlook Livability Team (OLT) and brings a definite hands-on perspective to the topic. This letter is important to share with Overlook neighbors because you should all know about the amount of work the OLT does, and the benefits we enjoy from it. Compare our graffiti problems with any neighborhood in the city and you have to feel proud to have neighbors like our OLT members. While it is great that our neighborhood has volunteers to help stay on top of graffiti (the majority are gang tags) this is also a basic, essential city government function. Please consider authoring your own letter to the mayor and commissioners in support of the graffiti abatement program.
Mayor Adams, Comms. Fritz, Fish, Leonard & Saltzman:
I’d like to put in my two cents on the upcoming budget for the City of Portland. In particular, I’d like to draw attention to all the good that comes from the graffiti abatement program, and Marcia Dennis in particular. As a longtime volunteer with the Overlook Livability Team, we work in conjunction with Marcia and her office in eradication and abatement of neighborhood graffiti in the Overlook neighborhood. While we, the voters and residents, do the actual hard work of removing any graffiti and trash monthly, the abatement office is a critical support resource for us. Marcia’s office takes care of handling cases that are out of our jurisdiction, and maintains the catalog for prosecution purposes.
I would personally like to invite you up to Overlook to pedal through our neighborhood to see what a difference our efforts have made in neighborhood livability. While we didn’t have the kinds and scale of graffiti you’d see in SE Portland, we currently have virtually NONE due to the OLT volunteer efforts over the years with the assistance of Marcia and her team. When graffiti is promptly removed, taggers tend not to return, and we have seen the proof in the pudding.
Additionally, I’d like to put in a word of support to the work the north ONI does in coordinating neighborhood involvement, in particular, Mark Wells & Angela. Mark was responsible for starting the Livability Team project here in Overlook which has now spread to other neighborhoods, including Kenton. The office is tireless and DEDICATED to improving neighborhood livability. From livability teams, crime prevention training, PSAC meetings and neighborhood meetings, the ONI is an invaluable resource to ALL of our communities.
While bike lanes and bio-swales and Leonard Loos are great for city of Portland PR, neighborhood livability is of top importance to those of us who live here. In lean times, choices must be made. Those choices, however difficult, must benefit the public and taxpaying residents in their day to day lives. That is why I encourage you to continue funding for ONI, Graffiti abatement and the PPB.
Please, no more budget cuts to the PPB. We are understaffed by a considerable amount already in comparison to comparable cities. Cmdr. Leloff has been an outstanding addition to the N. Precinct and always attends the N. PSAC meeting (time allowing). He is engaged with the community and dedicated to serving the citizens of Portland. And with gang shootings out of control all over the city, cuts to PPB are NOT a priority for this taxpayer.
And one last note to clear up any misconceptions on graffiti abatement budgeting and Livability Teams—you may say, “We don’t need to fund graffiti abatement because the livability teams and residents will clean up the mess.” Wrong. While Overlook has a very strong neighborhood association, not all neighborhoods do. We are lucky to have a contingent of well educated residents who have the time and resources to volunteer in the community, not all neighborhoods are so lucky. Marcia’s work is critical to maintaining livability city-wide.
BTW, I’d like to invite any or all of you to come out this Saturday, 4/21/12, for our Going Street Earth Day Cleanup event; 10 am at the Pittman Addition HydroPark at the Going St. overpass between N. and S. Overlook. This is in support of the Going to the River Project.
http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?a=370924&c=50518
Thank you for listening to our concerns. I urge you to support ONI, graffiti abatement, and PPB budget allocations.
Sincerely,
The Weekly OKNA Email: 4/20/12
Happy Earth Day, Overlook! There’s lots to do on this beautiful weekend; plan on sunny skies for the OKNA Clean Up featuring the Overlook Livability Team Big Pole Painting and Beach School Clean Up.
1) OKNA Earth Day Clean Up (4/21)
2) Trillium Plant Sale Fundraiser (4/23)
3) Beach School Voting and Fundraiser (4/24)
4) Mayoral Candidate Debate (4/26)
5) PSAC Traffic Issues (4/25)
6) Safeguard Your Money Forum (4/25)
7) Raingarden Workshop (4/29 but register now)
City Repair in Overlook (coming soon, register now)
9) Public Safety Notice from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission
------------------------------------
1) OKNA Earth Day Clean Up (4/21)
Join your Overlook & Swan Island neighbors on Earth Day, Saturday, April 21 from 10:00- 1:00 to tidy up our little corner of the planet.
We’ll meet at the Pittman Addition HydroPark, north of the Going Street pedestrian overpass, to pick up litter and beautify the park and areas along Going. Contact Alan Cranna when you arrive. Please spread the word to your neighbors and volunteer for your local cleanup. Together we'll help keep our neighborhood clean and safe!
The Overlook Livability Team will have a special session on Saturday, meeting at the Pittman Addition HydroPark to paint over the graffiti-laden power poles on the hard hit stretch of N Going St. west of Interstate Ave. We'll have all the paint and equipment on hand for this mission. This is a great time to come meet the OLT and see if you’d like to join the team. The OLT is actively seeking a team of 4-6 volunteers to commit to a short, once per month session keeping a stretch of N Going graffiti-free.
Additionally, the graffiti budget for the city's Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) is at risk. Please consider contacting members of city council to voice your support for maintaining ONI's graffiti budget. The full-time graffiti volunteer coordinator position will most likely be on the chopping block. This funding is critical for the formation and support of Livability Teams like ours throughout the city, so fire off a quick email to council if you want to support the good work ONI's doing to help us all fight graffiti.
Find the email addresses for the City Council on the OKNA website, along with a copy of a letter from one of your neighbors:www.OverlookNeighborhood.org
------------------------------------
2) Trillium Plant Sale Fundraiser (4/23)
Trillium science staff and Together for Trillium (TFT) have partnered with New Leaf Greenhouse to offer a variety of vegetable and herb starts, annuals, perennials, planters and hanging baskets.
Orders are due Monday, April 23. Completed order forms *with payment* can be placed in the silver Scrip box in the front lobby; checks should be made out to TFT, with "plant sale" written on the memo line.
Plants will be available for pick-up Thursday, May 17 between 2:00 - 5:00 PM.
Thanks for your help in making science bloom at Trillium!
------------------------------------
3) Beach School Voting and Fundraiser (4/24)
Win Beach school $500.00 for a new Bobcat mural.
Go to: http://cleanup.maker.good.is/projects/Beachmural
Vote April 23-30th
Burgers & Fries= $$ for Beach School
Tuesday , April 24th, Little Big Burger (3747 N Mississippi Ave) will donate 10% of dinner sales to Beach School
The Beach School Clean Up Days continue this Saturday, April 21st. Come for the coffee, stay for the clean up.
------------------------------------
4) Mayoral Candidate Debate (4/26)
University of Portland is hosting a mayoral debate on Thursday, April 26 from 2-3:30 p.m. in Buckley Center Auditorium on campus, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd. The top three candidates for mayor will take part – Eileen Brady, Charlie Hales, and Jefferson Smith. The debate is free to attend and open to the public. You are invited to attend, and please feel free to spread the word to any of your neighbors. Doors to the debate will open at 1 p.m.
The debate will be aired live by KOIN TV and will also be aired live on KPAM radio and the Portland Tribune website. The panelists will include Portland radio legend Bob Miller, longtime news personality Mike Donahue, and Portland Tribune president J. Mark Garber.
For more information, the UP student newspaper The Beacon had an article about the debate in today’s issue: http://www.upbeacon.net/up-to-host-portland-mayoral-debate-1.2854293#.T5Cn73I4LKk Please contact Joe Kuffner of the University’s marketing office with any questions at kuffnerj@up.edu or x8547.
------------------------------------
5) Public Safety Meeting – PSAC (4/25)
North Portland PUBLIC SAFETY ACTION COMMITTEE (PSAC)
Wednesday April 25th, 2012
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Historic Kenton Firehouse
2209 N. Schofield – across from the Kenton Post Office
Guest Presenter: Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), Will Stevens on Traffic Safety and the 823-SAFE program. Bring your traffic safety concerns or your other public safety questions for our panel of representatives from ONI-Crime Prevention, North Precinct Commander Mike Leloff, Mayor Adams’ Office and the District Attorney’s Office. Thank you for supporting Public Safety.
------------------------------------
6) Safeguard Your Money Forum (4/25)
“Spend Smart – Tips to Mange and Safeguard Your Money.”
Wednesday, April 25
6:30 – 7:30 pm
North Portland branch of the Multnomah County Library
512 N Killingsworth
Includes non-biased information and resources on reverse mortgages, insurance, Medicare and Medicare fraud, and the prevention of consumer fraud and ID theft. Sponsors include Oregon Insurance Division, AARP Oregon, SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance) and the Oregon Department of Justice. www.dfcs.oregon.gov for more information and RSVPs.
------------------------------------
7) Raingarden Workshop (4/29 but register now)
There are still some spaces for the FREE Raingarden Workshop presented by East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District.
April 29 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Overlook House - 3839 N Melrose Drive
"Beautiful and functional, rain gardens make use of native plants and soil to manage storm water runoff. Loose, absorbent soil in a shallow bowl shape will collect the rainwater running off your roof, driveway, and other hard surfaces. Perennial native plants will help absorb the water, and the sand and soil will filter out pollutants."
Please go to Rain Gardens 101 for event description and to register for the workshop as soon as possible to ensure that a spot is reserved for you. Snacks will be provided. See you there!
------------------------------------
City Repair in Overlook (coming soon, register now)
The City Repair Project invites you to be a villager once again at the Village Building Convergence of 2012! That's right, the VBC is almost here, and there's more going on than ever, with more permaculture projects, more site communities, and more happening than ever before!
Get ready to join us for the time of your life, creating, learning, meeting lots of wonderful people, dining, dancing, and sharing a living vision for a sustainable culture! Come see 40 community-built ecological gathering place projects being built all at once across the city of Portland!
Please let us know if you want to come and join us for the Village Building Convergence of 2012, May 25 to June 3! If you have not yet heard of the VBC, please go to www.cityrepair.org/vbc, where you will also find a registration form for the event, or call 503-235-8946 to learn more.
If you would like to participate in an Overlook VBC project, please contact Leslee Lewis, kgllport@aol.com or 503.703.3702 for a unique opportunity to paint one of the largest intersection repairs ever undertaken in Portland! There are opportunities at every skill level and all talents are needed. Come join in, get fed and enjoy some Overlook community building!
------------------------------------
9) Public Safety Notice from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission
In plain language, the OLCC is accepting your input regarding liquor licenses for food cart pods.
In their language "The Commission has received a petition for rulemaking requesting amendment of the following administrative rule: OAR 845-005-0331 Licensing Exterior Areas"
If you would like the complete information email, please message us at info @ OverlookNeighborhood.org and we'll forward.
Your comments are due by May 11, 2012
The Weekly OKNA Email 4/13/12
Happy Friday the 13th!
1) ICURAC Quarterly Meeting (4/16)
2) OKNA Earth Day Clean Up (4/21)
3) Youth Forum for Social Change (4/28)
4) Meet the Storyteller (Mondays)
------------------------------------------
1) ICURAC Quarterly Meeting (4/16)
Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Advisory Committee
Monday, April 16, 2012 - 6:30 - 8:30 P.M.
Quarterly meeting of the committee. Agenda to include budget and project updates
Contact: Julie Rawls, 503-823-3294
Location: Kaiser Permanente Town Hall 3704 N Interstate Ave
------------------------------------------
2) OKNA Earth Day Clean Up (4/21)
Join your OKNA neighbors on Earth Day to tidy up our little corner of the planet. We’ll meet at the Pittman HydroPark, north of the Going Street pedestrian overpass, to pick up litter and beautify the park and areas along Going. Contact Alan Cranna to volunteer or donate: ascran3@hotmail.comor contact us at OKNA.
------------------------------------------
3) Youth Forum for Social Change (4/28)
April 28th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
McMenamin's Kennedy School Community Room
5736 NE 33rd Avenue
Community Outreach of Our United Villages is sponsoring a Youth Forum for Social Change where youth can come together to share their hopes, dreams and ideas for the future.
As the next generation, youth lead the way in shaping the communities that we all will live in. The Forum will be an exciting chance for youth to exchange ideas and brainstorm actions to create social change. We’ll watch thought-provoking videos, engage in lively discussion, and share diverse perspectives on creating a world that works for all. Our hope is that youth will leave feeling inspired and empowered to be the change they wish to see in the world!
No RSVP is required; however, if you wish to let us know you are interested, please register online or give us a call at 503.546.7499. Refreshments and food will be served. Childcare (under 9), transportation and interpretation are available upon request.
------------------------------------------
4) Meet the Storyteller (Mondays)
Jerry Cowan is a long time Overlook resident and has a current approval by the State of Oregon Child Care Division background check to work with children. Jerry hosts a free storytelling hour at The Overlook House, 3839 N. Melrose drive, every Monday Afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30 PM with stories, games, toys and songs to entertain children from about six months to around twelve years old. This is an opportunity for parents to meet the neighbors and enjoy some quality time with their children. The stories are based on ancient Native American legends and myths crafted for children and are meant to inspire an appreciation for our forests and the animals that inhabit them. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
Are You A Policy Expert?
Recruitments for Policy Expert Groups are underway through April 16, 2012. Community members with interest and expertise in the policy topics below are encouraged to apply.
Information: http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?a=389274&c=44851.
Application: http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=58192.
The Comprehensive Plan Update will be informed by and help to implement the Portland Plan, a strategic plan for a prosperous, healthy, educated, and equitable city. The updated Comprehensive Plan will help us prepare for and manage expected population and employment growth and provide direction for City decision-making on land use, transportation, sewer and water systems, natural resources, while ensuring that investments in major city systems are coordinated. Updating the Plan is a major undertaking and we would greatly appreciate your help and participation.
We are currently recruiting for seven of the eight Policy Expert Groups (PEGs):
1. Community Involvement (we are not recruiting for this PEG, as the Portland Public Involvement Advisory Committee will serve as this PEG)
2. Education and Youth Success
3. Economic Development
4. Residential Development & Compatibility
5. Neighborhood Centers
6. Infrastructure Equity
7. Networks
8. Watershed Health & Environment
The PEGs will consist of approximately 12 members and be comprised of a mix of City bureau and partner agency staff and community stakeholders. Each PEG will meet approximately once a month from May 2012 – May 2013 and meetings will be facilitated by a professional facilitator. Meetings will also be open to the public. Each group’s recommendations should represent a broad base of collective wisdom about what will best serve the Portland community. We anticipate the discussion to be lively, stimulating, and effective.
Again, the recruitment process closes on Monday, April 16, 2012. Information about Portland’s Comprehensive Plan Update and the Policy Expert Groups (PEGs) can be found at www.portlandonline.com/bps/pdxcompplan.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 503-823-7965 or at barry.manning@portlandoregon.gov. Marty Stockton is coordinating the recruitment - she is also available at 503-823-2041 and Marty.Stockton@PortlandOregon.gov.
Thank you for your interest and consideration.
Smart Money Week
Dept of Justice is looking out for you. Please share this with your neighbors.
The Weekly OKNA Email 4/6/12
Happy Easter Weekend, Overlook! Stay dry & we'll see you at the Easter Egg Hunt at the historic Overlook House tomorrow morning. Start time is 10:30am sharp!
1) Beach School Saturday Clean Ups
2) Ice Cream for Beach School
3) Call to Artists for 5 Overlook Sculptures
4) Support Free Summer Concerts in Kenton Park
5) Public Information Sessions for Portland Harbor Draft Feasibility Study
6) FREE Rain Gardens Workshop
7) Farmers Market News: Fridays in Kenton
Metro Grant Opportunity; Deadline April 30
-----------------------------------------------
1) Beach School Saturday Clean Ups
April is HERE!!! And Beach School is recruiting volunteers to help every Saturday from 10-noon to garden/weed/clean and be put to work on campus beautification projects. All are welcome! Coffee will be served. Bring tools, garden gloves and water.
Note: 30min of weeding will burn about 150 calories. Come meet your neighbors and get some exercise while you are it.
-----------------------------------------------
2) Ice Cream for Beach School
Ice Cream = $$$ for Beach School
Tuesday, April 10th, treat yourself to something sweet at Ruby Jewel Ice Cream Shop, 3713 N Mississippi Ave. Ruby Jewel will donate 20% of the entire day's sales to Beach School
-----------------------------------------------
3) Call to Artists for 5 Overlook Sculptures
Friends of Pittman Addition is pleased to invite sculptors to submit proposals for temporary art installations. Sculpture pieces will be installed by July 20th, and an opening celebration is scheduled for Sunday, August 5th, 2012.
Friends of Pittman Addition HydroPark’s mission is to bring public art to the open space, and create opportunities to experience local art and community culture. Pittman Addition HydroPark is located at North Going Court and North Concord Avenue (just south of Beach Elementary School) in the Overlook neighborhood.
This is a community driven project, with the art infrastructure funded through PDC’s Community Livability Grant and the artist stipends funded by the Union Pacific Foundation. The Portland Water Bureau owns and maintains the open space. The project is fiscally sponsored by North Portland Community Works.
Please contact Darcy Cronin for more information: http://www.portlandonline.com/water/hydroparks
-----------------------------------------------
4) Support Free Summer Concerts in Kenton Park
There’s 5 days left to raise funds for the Free Summer Concerts in Kenton Park and organizers are asking for your help. Please see their Kickstarter request here:http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/770327691/support-the-free-summer-concerts-in-portlands-kent
-----------------------------------------------
5) Public Information Sessions for Portland Harbor Draft Feasibility Study
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing the draft Feasibility Study for the Portland Harbor Superfund Site. You can review it too at the Multnomah County Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave., or on the EPA website at www.epa.gov/region10/portlandharbor.
Under the direction of EPA, a group of potentially responsible parties known as the Lower Willamette Group (LWG) prepared the feasibility study. The study compares options to clean up Portland Harbor. These options will help manage contaminated soil and river sediment.
EPA will hold four public information sessions to provide an overview of the draft feasibility study. These sessions will include:
· Information about cleanup alternatives
· Site background information
· Discussion of effect on the community
· Next steps for making clean up decisions
· Opportunities for public involvement
In addition, open houses are scheduled before each session. During these open houses, you can speak with representatives from EPA, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, LWG, Tribal governments, Natural Resource Trustees and the Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group.
1st Meeting —Wednesday April 11
Open House: 5:30-6 pm
Information Session: 6 -8 pm
St John’s Community Center
8427 N Central St. Portland
2nd Meeting—Thursday April 12
Open House: 12:30-1 pm
Information Session: 1 -3 pm
Portland Building Auditorium, 2nd Floor
1120 SW 5th Ave. Portland
3rd Meeting—Wednesday April 18
Open House: 5:30-6 pm
Information Session: 6 -8 pm
June Key Delta Community Center
5940 N Albina Portland
4th Meeting—Thursday May 10
Open House: 5:30-6 pm
Information Session: 6 -8 pm
Ecotrust Building—Billy Frank Jr. Conf. Room
721 NW 9th Ave. Portland
-----------------------------------------------
6) FREE Rain Gardens Workshop
April 29 at Overlook House. 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
There are still some places available, so register now. To register, go to
http://www.emswcd.org/workshops-events/register-for-a-workshop/event/249/Rain-Gardens-101 or call 503-935-5368
This should be a very interesting and useful class. You will learn how to assess your yard to determine the best location and size for your rain garden; how to calculate impervious surfaces; how to determine soil suitability andchoose appropriate plants. You will also learn how to maintain your new rain garden. Everyone will be given a comprehensive manual that shows all the steps to creating a rain garden.
Advance registration is required, so sign up now. Call 503-935-5368 for more information. Hosted by East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District and Overlook Neighborhood Sustainability Team (ONeST)
-----------------------------------------------
7) Farmers Market News: Fridays in Kenton
Although the Interstate Farmer’s Market won’t be around this season, we are delighted to announce that
Portland Farmers Market will be opening a new market nearby in the Kenton neighborhood this June. Below you will find a few details about this market:
WHEN: Fridays, 3-7pm, June 1 through September 28
WHERE: In the heart of Kenton district in North Portland on N. McClellan Street at Denver Avenue.
WHAT: Up to 35 vendor stalls filled with fresh, peak-of-season produce, proteins, baked goods and other artisan food products in a festive, street-fair atmosphere, complete with musical entertainment.
To all the Interstate Farmers Market shoppers, we invite you to hop on the MAX to join the Friday fun and find fresh produce just 5 stops away from the Overlook Park Station! There will also be parking nearby for those who drive.
-----------------------------------------------
Metro Grant Opportunity; Deadline April 30
Do you have a creative idea about community investments in North Portland? I invite you to apply to Metro for an enhancement grant to fund projects and programs that benefit local residents and neighborhoods. Complete a pre-application form and send it to Metro by 5 p.m. Monday, April 30.
With the deepest recession in decades still lingering and negatively affecting interest earnings on the North Portland enhancement grant funds, this year’s awards will total $15,000. Metro’s grant selection committee (comprised of residents from local neighborhoods) is opting to use a more cost- effective and -efficient approach to administering the monies. Prospective applicants should be aware of this and have clear expectations from the start.
This grant cycle, the focus is on responding to the community’s most pressing needs – jobs and job training; programs for youth; and projects or programs that deliver basic needs and respond to the issues of hunger, health care and housing or essential household needs. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that offer creative and new ways to address these issues. One-time seed funding for innovative projects that have the potential to become self-sufficient will be considered.
Read the pre-application instructions and form for more details (attached) or visit Metro’s website (www.oregonmetro.gov/grants). Submittal deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, April 30, 2012.
