Burglary Alert for Overlook Residents
Neighbors, this seemed urgent enough to warrant an extra message this week. Mark will not be at tonight's meeting, but his contact information is at the bottom of this message if you need to reach him.
Please be alert, and careful.
OKNA meeting 7:00 pm tonight, Kaiser Town Hall Building 3704 N Interstate Ave (at Overlook Blvd)
This message is from Mark Wells, Crime Prevention Coordinator
Overlook has had 4 residential burglaries in the past week north and south of the Going St. area in the N. Concord area ( I do not have exact locations). Forced entry is being made through side or rear windows and all have taken place during the daytime hours. A window is being simply smashed and then the burglar(s) is going through each room and throwing items all over the place in what appears to be a search for valuable items. Dresser drawers are just being thrown down to quickly look for valuables. Of particular note, the suspect(s) are eating food in the kitchens and exiting through the front door. Officers are reporting the victim's houses are sustaining an unusual amount of damage almost as if the damage was done on purpose.
Community Action
- Please take note of anyone suspicious around your home or neighborhood. If you see anyone acting suspicious or "casing" a house, please call the non-emergency number at 503-823-3333. It can not be stressed enough how important it is for the community to call the police if anything suspicious is observed. If in doubt, error on the side of caution and notify the police.
- Lock all side gates if possible and ensure all windows remain locked. Cut back any shrubbery around windows or doors to prevent any areas of concealment.
- Talk to your immediate neighbors and ensure they know your normal schedule and keep an eye on your home if they are home during daytime hours when you are normally at work. Listen and pay attention to barking dogs inside homes, especially if they don't usually bark inside.
More information will be sent out as it becomes available.
Thank you-
Mark Wells
Crime Prevention Coordinator
Office of Neighborhood Involvement
City of Portland
503-823-4098
mark.wells@portlandoregon.gov
Overlook, Arbor Lodge, Kenton, Piedmont, Bridgeton, Hayden Island, Sumner, Sunderland, Cully
Web: www.portlandonline.com/oni/cp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/portlandcrimeprevention
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/58578724@N06/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pdxpreventcrime
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/pdxpreventcrime
PDC Community Livability Grants
Neighbors, these small grants are ideal for many of the projects that are brought to OKNA to co-sponsor.
There are a couple of mandatory meetings coming up for interested applicants; be sure to check the PDC webpage if you’d like to use less than $50,000 to beautify or improve something in Overlook.
The Portland Development Commission (PDC) will have funds available in fiscal year 2012-13 for community livability projects in both the Lents Town Center and Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Areas. PDC’s Community Livability Grant Program began in the Interstate Corridor URA in 2006, expanded to the Lents Town Center URA in 2010, and has awarded $2.2 million to more than 51 projects that improve livability for residents and enhance the unique nature of the Interstate Corridor and Lents Town Center neighborhoods.
The Portland Development Commission is dedicated to and promotes diversity in contracting on the projects and programs that it supports or funds. This year applicants for the Community Livability Grant program will be required to solicit bids for a minimum of 20% of the project budgeted construction costs from State of Oregon certified Minority-Owned, or Women-Owned, or Emerging Small Businesses (M/W/ESBs). Examples of work completed with Community Livability Grant funds are: new roofs; exterior paint; kitchen and bathroom remodels; window upgrades; electrical and HVAC upgrades; community gardens; ADA ramps; new flooring; and energy efficient and sustainable improvements such as solar panels, geothermal heating and a water cistern.
The grants support a wide variety of community benefits: historic preservation, open spaces and gardens, community and cultural centers, social services, job training, and the growth of local businesses. The work is not always visible to those passing by, but these critical investments support each organization’s ability to serve the community.
Up to $300,000 in Community Livability grants will be awarded in the coming fiscal year in each of the two urban renewal areas subject to FY 12-13 budget approval by the PDC Board. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, neighborhood and business district associations and neighborhood groups. The typical grant award is less than $50,000.
For more information on the Community Livability Grant Program, visit www.pdc.us/CLG. For more information on PDC’s M/W/ESB goals contact: Patricia Weekley, Business and Workforce Equity Program, Portland Development Commission, 222 NW Fifth Avenue, Portland, OR 97209, email: weekleyp@pdc.us, phone: 503-823-3309.
OKNA Meeting Tonight
For our RSS subscribers…
Tonight is the general meeting of the Overlook Neighborhood Association (OKNA).
Join us at 7:00 pm at the Kaiser Town Hall building, 3704 N Interstate Ave
(at N Overlook Blvd)
On the agenda tonight, plan on hearing a public safety update, Senator Chip Shields and and update about the Portland Harbor Superfund clean up among other things.
See you there!
Sound Off! Feedback and Meetings This Week & Next
This is your week for feedback, Overlook! Lots of people want to hear from you; share your thoughts on the Public Alerts test, the Urban Food Code and a current police use of force investigation.
There’s a few other interesting things going on, not the least of which is our monthly general meeting; please plan to attend and find out about some grant applications for Beach School, public safety updates and more!
OKNA General Membership Meeting
Tuesday, February 21st
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Kaiser Town Hall: 3701 N Interstate Avenue (at Overlook Blvd)
Remember to 'like' us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OKNAinPDX for news throughout the week and the opportunity for you to interact with OKNA & your neighbors directly.
1) ONeST Sustainability Film Series (2/20)
2) NEW date for Parent/Child Yoga & Overlook House news (2/25)
3) One Fix It Fair Remaining! (2/25)
4) Did You Get The Call? (send an email now)
5) Register for Spring Parks Programs (now)
6) Urban Farming Code Update (2/23)
7) Police Use of Force Investigation (2/28)
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1) ONeST Sustainability Film Series (2/20)
Monday, Feb. 20, Free! 6:00 pm
O•NeST Sustainability Film: The Farmer and the Horse: the story of three young people in New Jersey who’ve made the decision to farm with draft animals, and cut their dependence on petroleum.
Please Join us for our February Sustainability Film! Potluck at 6pm, film at 6:30. Come for one or both!
Daybreak CoHousing Community Room, 2525 N. Killingsworth.
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2) NEW date for Parent/Child Yoga & Overlook House news (2/25)
The new Parent/Child Yoga class has changed its meeting day of the week. It will now meet on Saturday mornings 9:00AM -9:45 AM beginning Feb 25 - April 14.
(Please note this is a change in date and time from what is printed in Overlook Views.) For information contact Heather Hallett at hallett.h@gmail.com
Also on Saturdays, join James Bloom for Children's Breath of Fire Qi Gong every Saturday morning 10:00 - 11:00 AM.
For more information contact James at dragonbreathoffire@comcast.net
Join Jerry Cowan for The Story Teller every Monday afternoon from 3:30-4:30 PM. Parents need to attend with their children. For more information contact Jerry at thestoryteller@whizto.us
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3) One Fix It Fair Remaining! (2/25)
Fix-It Fairs are free events where you can learn simple and effective ways to save money at home and stay healthy this winter and beyond. Featuring exhibits from numerous community partners, these events also include an extensive schedule of workshops held throughout the day. Experts will be available to talk with you about water and energy savings, home and personal health, food and nutrition, community resources, recycling and yard care, lead testing, bike tune-ups and more! Free professional childcare and lunch will be provided.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Jefferson High School
5210 N Kerby Avenue
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Entrance is on the Kerby side of the building.
To find out more information about scheduled workshops, visit www.portlandonline.com/bps/fif To receive information and reminders on upcoming fairs, e-mail fixitfair@portlandoregon.gov.
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4) Did You Get The Call? (send an email now)
Last week, the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) engaged in an exercise to help ensure our city’s safety. PBEM did what very few emergency management agencies do: It put our community notification system through an ambitious, citywide “stress test.”
On a practical level, the test was designed to send a single message to as many Portlanders in the shortest amount of time possible. All landline phones were contacted, as well as all cell, text and email devices voluntarily registered atwww.PublicAlerts.org. On a symbolic level, we were challenging our privately contracted vendor, First Call. Though the company had demonstrated success reaching residents on small-scale emergencies during the past year-and-a-half, it had failed in reaching the entire city during a similar test two weeks prior. We wanted First Call to prove it could complete this ambitious task. And we wanted to know long it would take.
As we analyze the results of the test, we want to hear your feedback. Did you get the message? How, when and where did you receive it? Please contact PublicAlerts@portlandoregon.gov to let us know.
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5) Register for Spring Parks Programs (now)
Portland Parks offers thousands of classes for all ages and abilities. Register now for Spring programs; see what’s on offer now that you don’t receive a catalog in the mail. PortlandParks.org
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6) Urban Farming Code Update (2/23)
North Portland Roundtable Discussion: Urban Food Zoning Code Update
When: Thursday Feb. 23, 2012 from 7-7:30pm
Where: Historic Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N. Brandon
Why: The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is releasing a Discussion Draft of changes to the Portland zoning code that will affect the way that food can be grown and distributed in our neighborhoods!
The proposed changes support activities such as market gardens (growing food for profit), community gardens, farmers markets and food buying clubs. Learn more from project staff Julia Gisler and give your input on how the proposed changes could impact your community.
The Discussion Draft will be available on the project website at www.portlandonline.com/bps/foodcode after February 10th. Paper copies will be available at the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability offices at 1900 SW 4th Avenue, 7th floor. You may also contact Julia atjulia.gisler@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823- 7624 to have a copy mailed.
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7) Police Use of Force Investigation (2/28)
U.S. Attorney's Office and Civil Rights Division Announce Town Hall Meeting Regarding Portland Police Bureau Investigation
PORTLAND, Ore. – The United States Department of Justice seeks community input concerning the investigation of the Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) use of force policies and practices. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, in conjunction with the Special Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division, will conduct a town hall meeting with members of the public on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the St. John’s Community Center located at 8427 N. Central Street in Portland.
On June 8, 2011, the Justice Department opened a civil investigation pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, 42 United States Code, Section 14141, in order to determine whether PPB has engaged in a pattern or practice of use of force which amounts to a violation of civil rights. During the first week of August 2011, the Justice Department conducted numerous individual interviews with members of the public in three locations throughout Portland. The Justice Department is returning to Portland as part of the investigation and invites any individual who has specific and recent information they would like to share about their personal interaction with PPB officers to participate in this town hall meeting.
Throughout the course of the investigation, the Justice Department will seek to determine whether there are systemic violations of the Constitution or federal law by officers of the PPB. The Justice Department will consider all relevant information, particularly the efforts that Portland has undertaken to ensure compliance with federal law. The Justice Department has taken similar steps involving a variety of state and local law enforcement agencies, both large and small, in jurisdictions such as New York, Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, Louisiana, and California.
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon are jointly investigating this matter. If you have any comments or concerns, but are unable to attend the town hall meeting, please feel free to contact us at community.portland@usdoj.gov or 1-877-218-5228. You may also feel free to contact the U.S. Attorney’s local Civil Rights Hotline at either 503-471-5577 or by email at usaor.civilrights@usdoj.gov.
Have a Lovely Overlook Valentine Week!
Here's your weekly dose of Overlook activity; pick up a reduced price bike helmet, check out the Seed Club and schedule now for a couple of important meetings at the end of the month. Don't forget to 'like' us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OKNAinPDX for interesting tidbits throughout the week and the opportunity for you to interact with OKNA & your neighbors directly.
Oh, how could I forget?! The Spring issue of Overlook Views hits the streets starting tomorrow; watch your doorstep for your volunteer-delivered copy coming soon (posted at www.OverlookNeighborhood.org if you can't wait!)
Happy Valentine's Day!
1) Bike Helmet Sale (2/11)
2) Solar Drinks Venue Change! (2/16)
3) Seed Club is Coming! (soon)
4) Hayden Island Candidates Forum (2/26)
5) ICURAC Meeting (2/27)
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1) Bike Helmet Sale (2/11)
$5 Bike Helmet Sales - If you or someone you know is looking to save a little money and in need of a bike or skate helmet, be sure to hit up the sale this weekend at the Randalls Children's Hospital, 9th Floor (Legacy Emanuel), 2801 N Gantenbein Ave, Saturday, February 11, Noon to 6pm. Bike and skate helmets are $5 and ski and snowboard helmets are available for $20. Find more information at www.legacyhealth.org/safetystore.
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2) Solar Drinks Venue Change! (2/16)
Due to the level of interest in this month's Solar Drinks, we are moving it to a bigger location to accommodate a larger audience....
Join us this month at The June Key Delta Community Center, (NOT the Kenton Firehouse, as originally advertised!)
5940 N Albina Ave
THURSDAY, February 16th
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
John Patterson of Mr. Sun Solar will be presenting his recent tour of the Chinese solar industry, and and his experience as a panelist at the Low Carbon Earth Summit in Dalian, China. We expect a large crowd, so please RSVP to let us know you are coming!
Solar Drinks is an opportunity for folks in the greater Portland area to meet other community members who support renewable energy. Come join us for a relaxed social and networking event where you can speak with Solar Oregon staff, solar industry members and your neighbors about any topic under the sun!
Doors open at 6:30pm and the event begins at 7:00pm.
This is a free event, but we are asking for a $5 suggested donation from non Solar Oregon Members to help us cover the costs of providing this event. You must be 21 or over to attend.
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3) Seed Club is Coming! (soon)
Local nonprofit Grow Portland is gearing up for its third annual Seed Club. For the Seed Club, Grow Portland buys organic vegetable seeds in bulk from socially responsible suppliers. These seeds are repacked into smaller sizes and made available to home gardeners, schools, and non-profits at affordable prices.
This March and April, Grow Portland is hosting four sessions to pack these seeds. At these sessions, gardeners have a chance to socialize and learn with other growers, pack vegetable seeds, and take home 15 seed packets of their own.
Our Overlook neighborhood packing session will be Wednesday, March 28th from 7-8:30 pm at the Lucky Lab Tap Room (1700 N Killingsworth Ave). Gardeners sign up online in advance to attend.
See our website to sign up, and for more information on membership options for schools and nonprofits: www.growportland.org. Contact Lauren with additional questions: lmorse@growportland.org, 503-858-0216
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4) Hayden Island Candidates Forum (2/26)
Hayden Island Candidates Forum: February 26th, Sunday at Oxford Suites on Hayden Island from 1 pm- 4 pm
Many Mayoral, City Council, Merto & District Attorney Candidates will be in attendance.
Our moderator Bruce Broussard will be filming the forum for his "Oregon Voters Digest" program. It will also be available on www.youtube.com/38broussard
Brought to you by:
HINoon, Hayden Island Neighborhood Network
HILP, Hayden Island Livability Project
HIBA, Hayden Island Business Alliance
Contact: info@HELPHILP.com or 503-286-1150
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5) ICURAC Meeting (2/27)
Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Advisory Committee Meeting
Monday, February 27, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Quarterly meeting of the committee and review of the proposed URA budget for 2012-2013.
Contact Joleen Jensen-Classen, 503-823-3352
Kaiser Permanente Town Hall
3704 N Interstate Avenue
Classrooms A & B
Transit Stop 1150 MAX Yellow Line
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Events in Overlook
A full plate of a wide variety of activities this week, Overlookers. If you have been thinking about applying for a small grant for a neighborhood project, a PDC opportunity is coming up that you'll want to plan for.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Overlook Neighborhood Association
www.OverlookNeighborhood.org
facebook.com/OKNAinPDX
1) Town Hall with your Elected Representatives (2/4)
2) Beach School Raffle Tickets (now)
3) QiGong Now at Overlook House (Mondays & Thursdays)
4) Family Yoga at Overlook House (Wednesdays)
5) Solar Drinks Special Guest (2/16)
6) Earthquake Preparedness; Is Portland Ready? (now)
7) Stories at the Overlook House (Mondays 3:30-4:30)
Beach School Auction (2/25)
9) PDC COMMUNITY LIVABILITY GRANT (coming up/plan ahead for March 6)
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1) Town Hall with your Elected Representatives (2/4)
Reminder: Town Hall This Saturday
Join Representative Tina Kotek, Senator Chip Shields and Representative Lew Frederick for a North/Northeast Portland town hall to hear what's going on in Salem for the 2012 Legislative Session. They look forward to answering your questions and discussing the issues that are important to you.
What: Town Hall Meeting
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: St. Johns Community Centern Auditorium
8427 N. Central St., Portland, OR 97203
For more information, call or email Tina Kotek’s legislative assistant, Michelle Rogelstad, at rep.tinakotek@state.or.us or (503) 286-0558.
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2) Beach Raffle Tickets (now)
Enter to WIN!!!
Beach PTA is having a raffle to help raise money to support the brilliant minds of the lovely Beach students!
Tickets are $5 and are available online or email Andee Zeigler at beachschoolauction@gmail.com.
Winners will be announced at the auction on February 25, 2012. Attendance is encouraged, but not required to win.
Grand Prize is an iPad
1st prize Wii
2nd prize is a weekend getaway for two at Salishan Resort on the Oregon Coast!
Tell your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers!! Your kiddos will thank you!
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3) QiGong Now at Overlook House (Mondays & Thursdays)
Join James H Bloom, an Overlook resident of 38 years, for Dragon’s Breath of Fire QiGong. QiGong dates back 5000 years and is great for all ages. James incorporates his study of Soaring Crane QiGong , Swimming Dragon, Baguan Xun Doa Gong, Ti-chi Yang style, Wudang and Shaolin Styles in sessions for adults and kids.
Adult Classes: Mondays and Thursdays 10:00 am and 6:45 pm
Kids Classes: Saturday mornings 10:00 am
Contact James for more information and bring your own Yoga mat. Phone: 503-285 8331 or email: dragonbreathoffire@comcast.net
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4) Family Yoga at Overlook House (Wednesdays)
There is a new Yoga class being offered for families beginning February 15 – April 11. Classes will be held at the Overlook House Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am.
To sign up or for further information contact Heather Hallett; email: hallett.h@gmail or phone: 503-367-7821
Cost is $5 per family.
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5) Solar Drinks Special Guest (2/16)
All this sunshine have you thinking about solar power for your home? Come out to SOLAR DRINKS, an opportunity for folks in the greater Portland area to meet other community members who support renewable energy. Come join us for a relaxed social and networking event where you can speak with Solar Oregon staff, solar industry members and your neighbors about any topic under the sun!
Join us this month at the Historic Kenton Firehouse!
8105 N. Brandon St.
THURSDAY, February 16th
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
John Patterson of Mr. Sun Solar will be presenting his recent tour of the Chinese solar industry, and and his experience as a panelist at the Low Carbon Earth Summit in Dalian, China.
We expect a large crowd, so please RSVP to let us know you are coming!
Doors open at 6:30pm and the event begins at 7:00pm.
This is a free event, but we are asking for a $5 suggested donation from nonSolar Oregon Members to help us cover the costs of providing this event. You must be 21 or over to attend.
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6) Earthquake Preparedness; Is Portland Ready? (now)
The Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) wants to hear your thoughts about our city’s newly proposed earthquake response document.
Having grown into major city long before scientists discovered its unique seismic vulnerabilities, Portland is now expected to experience a potentially devastating earthquake of magnitude 9.0 or greater. Work is underway to identify those vulnerabilities and make Portland a more earthquake-resilient city. This work -now embodied in the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management’s new Earthquake Response Appendix - will help lessen the severity of an earthquake’s impact on residents.
The Earthquake Response Appendix is a supplement to the City’s Basic Emergency Operations Plan and a framework for Portland 's ever-evolving approach to earthquake response. Soon, this document will reach Portland City Council for consideration. In the meantime, PBEM is asking the public to thoroughly examine the appendix and provide feedback.
To learn more about the threats facing Portland’s energy, water, sewer, transportation, communication and building infrastructures; to understand the roles elected leaders, city officials, emergency responders, the private sector and community-based organizations play in the context of earthquake response; and to understand the partnerships established among public and private agencies to help support this response, please read the appendix by clicking here.
To provide insight and comments about the document, click here and fill out the feedback form.
To view a web version of this email, click here: http://www.portlandonline.com/oem/index.cfm?c=53926&a=382009
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7) Stories at the Overlook House (Mondays 3:30-4:30)
Join Jerry Cowan long time Overlook resident as The Storyteller. He will be at the historic Overlook House Community Center at 3839 N. Melrose Drive, every Monday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30 PM for a free hour of children’s stories, songs and games around a make believe campfire in an imaginary northwest forest.
Contact Jerry 503.285.0555 or via email for more information thestoryteller@whizto.us
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Beach School Auction (2/25)
A Fun Night Out for You = Supporting Beach School!!!!
The Beach School Auction will be held on Saturday, February 25th, 2012 at the Madeleine Hall, 3123 NE 24th Ave, Portland, Oregon.
Tickets are $35 per person in advance, $45 at the door. Tables are available for eight and are $280.
Only table purchases are reserved, all other tickets are open seating.
Doors open at 5pm, dinner provided by PorQueNo!
Tickets are available for purchase online through this link: https://beachschoolpta.schoolauction.net/auction2012/register
Tickets are currently available in the school office or by contacting Pamela White at 503-740-9871 or email: mickey965 @q.com.
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9) PDC COMMUNITY LIVABILITY GRANT (coming up/plan ahead for March 6)
A new round of PDC Community Livability Grant funds will be announced on February 21. Up to $300,000 in grants will be available in each of the Interstate and Lents Town Center URAs.
These grants support a wide variety of community benefits: historic preservation, open spaces and gardens, community and cultural centers, social services, job training, and the growth of local businesses. All interested applicants are required to attend a mandatory workshop to learn more about project eligibility, completing the application, and the evaluation and selection process. For Interstate, the workshop will be March 6 at the June Key Delta Community Center, 11 am-12:30 pm or 5:00-6:30 pm; for Lents Town Center, March 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SE Works.
Watch for the email announcement with program details February 21 or check PDC’s website after that date –www.pdc.us/CLG.
Overlook Back to Business; Lots to Do This Week
Hi Neighbors, it seems there is a lot to buckle down and do ths month. Considering the rash of petty crime we're experiencing in Overlook and ALL of North Portland right now, Wednesday's PSAC meeting is a great place to invest your time. Let the Commander know your needs and KEEP reporting crime! Our reporting statistics are up, but crime itself might not be. The additional numbers have meant more officers in Overlook.
1) PSAC This Week (1/25)
2) FOT Needs Trucks (1/28)
3) Volunteer at the Tree Planting (1/28)
4) PPS News From the OKNA Meeting
5) Noisy North Portland Needs Volunteers
6) North Portland Greenway Trail PAC
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1) PSAC This Week (1/25)
PSAC Meeting; Come See the Commander
North Portland PUBLIC SAFETY ACTION COMMITTEE (PSAC)
Wednesday January 25th, 2012
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Historic Kenton Firehouse
2209 N. Schofield – across from the Kenton Post Office
On the agenda: North Precinct Command –Commander Mike Leloff gives a presentation and information on Police Bureau’s upcoming budget.
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2) FOT Needs Trucks (1/28)
Need 10 trucks!
Friends of Trees has the annual Overlook/Arbor Lodge tree planting coming up on the 28th of January at Kaiser Town Hall and we are in need of about ten more trucks to move trees around on planting day. I wanted to reach out and see if in any of your worlds you know of individuals who would be willing to truck drive for the Friends of Trees planting. Please pass on my contact information and I can follow up with more details. Whitney Dorer, 503-467-2521 or whitneyd@friendsoftrees.org
Whitney adds: We are planting 220 trees this year! I've been working this planting for many years and this is a record year!
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3) Volunteer at the Tree Planting (1/28)
Come out on Saturday January 28th for Overlook and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods' 13th annual tree planting event. Last year over a hundred people came and we planted over 120 trees. We want you to join us this year! Bring your kids or anyone else you want too. We will meet at Kaiser Permanente Town Hall at 8:30 for hot drinks and some breakfast items. Then we will go out in small groups and plant trees.
Volunteer roles that we seek are
- Pickup truck owners/drivers (I will help you remove and re-install your topper before and after the event, or we can just do it at the event).
- Cooks to bring some lunch dishes from home.
- Tree planters who will go out in groups with experienced tree planters to install the trees.
- Greeters to welcome people in the morning as they arrive
- General operations assistance.
This year we are in special need of neighbors who own pick up trucks. Pick up truck owners bring their trucks to the event, and have them loaded with trees(you can help with the loading if you want, but its not necessary). Then the truck owners drive the trees and a volunteer planting team to locations around the neighborhood where the trees will be planted. Your assistance is critical and greatly appreciated.
Usually people come alone or in pairs, so you will be getting to know some neighbors while out planting trees. If you want to contribute but can’t plant trees, please consider contributing some breakfast item or a dish for the big lunch we will have after all the trees are planted. Every year we also need people to help organize the meeting places, and to drive other volunteers and trees in your pickup truck. This year we might have close to 200 trees to plant, and will really need volunteers and pickup trucks.
Last year was a huge success and we’re going to make it even better this year. Call Garrett with any questions about how the day will go down, or if you'd like to give a heads up that you are coming with some food or your truck. 503 422 5070. Thanks!
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4) PPS News From the OKNA Meeting
At this past Tuesday's OKNA meeting, representatives from Portland Public Schools came by to inform us of the listening and information sessions that will take place in the coming months. It's very likely that PPS will be looking for another bond measure on the ballot for capital improvements. Do those buildings need work? Everyone seems to agree 'yes' but how we pay for it and accomplish the work is a massive job.
Please do your part to become an informed voter and take a look at the selection of meeting topics PPS will cover in the next couple of months:
http://www.pps.k12.or.us/files/families/Buildings-and-Learning-V01.pdf
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5) Noisy North Portland Needs Volunteers
Well, we do have a lot of noise issues here. Now there's an opportunity for you to do something about it.
Portland’s volunteer Noise Review Board currently has a position the City is looking to fill. One seat is open for a “Citizen at Large” community representative on the board.
The Board is comprised of five members including: three citizen at large positions, a representative from the construction industry, and a professional in the field of acoustics. Appointments to the volunteer Noise Review Board are made for a three-year period.
The Noise Review Board normally meets once a month on the second Wednesday evening of the month. The Board is charged with making decisions on Noise Variances for projects that range from nighttime construction projects to large outdoor concerts. The Board also works to develop long term objectives for achieving reduction of sound levels in the community.
If you have further questions regarding the Noise Review Board, contact the City’s Noise Control Officer, Paul van Orden at (503) 823-5829. Interested parties are encouraged to file an official application for the City of Portland Noise Review Board and attend a Noise Review Board meeting (next scheduled meeting is February 8th, 2012 at 6 PM). Applications can be acquired from the City’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement. Completed applications should be filed by no later than Friday February 15, 2012 .
For applications please see the web at: http://www.portlandonline.com/oni/index.cfm?c=38616
Or contact: Kathy Couch, Office of Neighborhood Involvement
Phone: (503)-823-3992 E-mail: kathy.couch@portlandoregon.gov
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6) North Portland Greenway Trail PAC
Portland Parks & Recreation is moving forward on planning the North Portland Greenway Trail. This means you have a rare opportunity to support the development of a regional, 10-mile trail corridor! The North Portland Greenway trail will offer incredible outdoor recreation to walkers, runners, and cyclists, and will further the Portland Parks & Recreation mission.
Community members, stakeholder and agency representatives have formed an advisory committee for planning this development. Over the next 14 months, the committee will help develop a technically feasible and user-friendly trail plan. Committee members will collaborate with the community, stakeholders and property owners to understand and address various needs and concerns going forward.
The North Portland Greenway Trail project will:
Create an accurate aerial and terrain base map of the alignment corridor.
Recommend a preferred alignment for the entire trail corridor.
Provide trail cross sections and design features.
Identify trail segments and create implementation checklists.
Clarify private property impacts and right of way needs.
Provide preliminary cost estimates for identified trail segments.
The following dates have been scheduled for Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings and open house events. The public is welcome to attend the PAC meetings, and we highly encourage participation in open houses.
All meetings will take place at the University of Portland, Chiles Center, Hall of Fame room, from 6:30-8:30.
Wednesday, January 25 PAC meeting- this will be an introductory meeting
(more meetings coming)
Your Weekly Overlook Email- On the Web
This is the weekly email sent to all the subscribers to the Overlook email list. You too could have this delivered to your inbox weekly; just add your email address in the Yahoo! box over there in the right hand margin.
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Here's your weekly does of Overlook news. Please remember to join us for the monthly general meeting this (third) Tuesday of the month, January 17 at 7:00 pm.
1) OKNA Meeting This Week (1/17)
2) Public Safety Alert - Stay Tuned with Facebook
3) Tree Planting Event Volunteers Needed (1/28)
4) The Storyteller at the historic Overlook House Community Center (Mondays)
5) It's Fix It Fair Time - Learn How To @ Home
6) Trillium Charter School Auction Approaches (2/11)
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1) OKNA Meeting This Week (1/17)
This Tuesday is the OKNA general membership meeting. A representative from Portland Public Schools will attend and give us a short update on what's new with them, then open the floor for your questions.
PPS will be talking about dealing with growing enrollment, aging school buildings needing repairs and delivering strong results for students in every neighborhood. We'd love to see lots of folks from Beach School at the meeting so Beach parents, please represent!
The agenda is not yet final, but it looks like we have a few interesting items to discuss. See you there!
OKNA General Meeting
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Kaiser Town Hall
3704 N Interstate Ave
(at N Overlook Blvd)
Everyone is Welcome!
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2) Public Safety Alert - Stay Tuned with Facebook
On the OKNA Facebook page (facebook.com/OKNAinPDX) this week, several public safety alerts from your neighbors. In the past week, there were several reports of strangers entering back yards, garages & sheds with thefts of everything from returnable cans to a bike.
Please take this gentle reminder to
1) Keep your valuables inside your (locked) home or outbuilding
2) Keep your backyard gates locked if possible; use safety lighting
3) Keep your eyes & ears open for people who don't belong in your yard or your neighbors'
4) Call 911 for a crime in progress, 503.823.3333 to report an unwanted person or anything suspicious and file a police report if you are the victim of a crime!
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3) Tree Planting Event Volunteers Needed (1/28)
Come out on Saturday January 28th for Overlook and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods' 13th annual tree planting event. Last year over one hundred people came and we planted over 120 trees. We want you to join us this year! Bring your kids or anyone else you want too. We will meet at Kaiser Permanente Town Hall (3704 N Interstate Ave - at N Overlook Blvd) at 8:30 am for hot drinks and some breakfast items. Then we will go out in small groups and plant trees.
Volunteer roles that we seek are
- Pickup truck owners/drivers (I will help you remove and re-install your topper before and after the event, or we can just do it at the event).
- Cooks to bring some lunch dishes from home.
- Tree planters who will go out in groups with experienced tree planters to install the trees.
- Greeters to welcome people in the morning as they arrive
- General operations assistance.
This year we are in special need of neighbors who own pick up trucks. Pick up truck owners bring their trucks to the event, and have them loaded with trees (you can help with the loading if you want, but its not necessary). Then the truck owners drive the trees and a volunteer planting team to locations around the neighborhood where the trees will be planted. Your assistance is critical and greatly appreciated.
Usually people come alone or in pairs, so you will be getting to know some neighbors while out planting trees. If you want to contribute but can’t plant trees, please consider contributing some breakfast item or a dish for the big lunch we will have after all the trees are planted. Every year we also need people to help organize the meeting places, and to drive other volunteers and trees in your pickup truck. This year we might have close to 200 trees to plant, and will really need volunteers and pickup trucks.
Last year was a huge success and we’re going to make it even better this year. Call Garrett with any questions about how the day will go down, or if you'd like to give a heads up that you are coming with some food or your truck. 503 422 5070. Thanks!
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4) The Storyteller at the historic Overlook House Community Center (Mondays)
The Storyteller will be at the historic Overlook House Community Center at 3839 N. Melrose Drive, every Monday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30 PM for a free hour of children’s stories, songs and games around a make believe campfire in an imaginary northwest forest.
Jerry Cowan (The Storyteller) is a long time Overlook resident and has a current approval by the State of Oregon Child Care Division background registry to work with children. The stories involve imaginary forest animals based on Native American legends and myths. Some stories are “story-songs” that are crafted to be more compatible with younger children. The Storyteller's intent is to host a story hour where families can meet get to know each other and share some quality time with their children. There will be a full sized electronic keyboard and an extra full sized acoustic guitar available (with some music books for each) for any adults or older children who want to practice or share their talent and entertain the group. As always, guest storytellers and entertainers are welcome to perform anytime.
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5) It's Fix It Fair Time - Learn How To @ Home
Fix-It Fair
Saturday, January 21st, 2012
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Rosa Parks Elementary School
8960 N Woolsey Ave
What you'll find at a Fix-It Fair
Ongoing exhibits and hourly workshops on such topics as:
Water and energy savings
Safe and healthy home
Food and nutrition
Neighborhood and community resources
Recycling
Weatherizing your home
Gardening and growing your own food
Yard care and composting
Transportation
Plus
Free lead blood testing
Free giveaways
Hourly door prizes
Free professional childcare
Free lunch
Free minor bike tune-ups and flat tire repair for students and families
For more information or to receive email notification for future Fairs: 503-823-4309, fixitfair@portlandoregon.gov.
Website: www.portlandonline.com/bps/fif
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6) Trillium Charter School Auction Approaches (2/11)
Trillium Charter School's annual auction is happening on February 11th, 2012. This year’s auction will be a formal event hosted downtown, near PSU and the Crystal Ballroom, at the Eliot Center, 1011 SW 13th Avenue, the weekend preceding Valentine’s Day, and it’s all about feeling the love:
“For The Love of Trillium" is about advisors who creatively nurture learning through dynamic and emergent processes at all levels of education, meeting challenges, and remaining adaptable.
"For the Love of Trillium" is about the administrative staff who work tirelessly to cultivate a platform from which Trillium can meet or exceed the needs, expectations, and goals of our uniquely diverse community, internally, as well as in our relationships to the neighborhood, the city, the school district, and the state.
"For The Love of Trillium" is about parents contributing money, time, and skill, often teaming up with faculty-members to coordinate an array of services and happenings, in addition to staying involved with their children’s learning. It’s about students sharing their stories of learning and growth, through art, experimentation, music, journaling, and more, in an unrestricted setting which encourages critical-thinking, self-inventory and accountability.
Please save the date and support one of the neighborhood schools.
Get tickets, pledge and donate here:
http://trilliumcharterschool.tofinoauctions.com/auction2012/homepages/show
Happy 2012, Your OKNA Weekly Email
Happy New Year, Overlook! Now that you’ve sent all the out of town company home & recycled all the wrappings, have a look at what’s going on in the neighborhood…
1) Thank you, Brad!
2) Sacred Garden Space Suggestions?
3) Land Use Notice Posted (1/9)
4) Park Lovers, Meet, Speak Up (1/9)
5) City of Portland 2012 State and Federal Legislative Agendas - City Council hearings
6) Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group Meets (1/11)
7) Do you Dig Square Dancing? (1/12)
Beach Parents: PPS & the Future of Schools (1/17)
9) Tree Planting Event This Month (1/28)
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1) Thank you, Brad!
Special thanks to Overlook volunteer and past (maybe future?) OKNA board member Brad Halverson for keeping the meeting room at Kaiser Town Hall reserved for the monthly OKNA general meetings. Yeah, maybe he uses some new fandangled schedule reminder device, but the fact that he does it at all is so helpful. Come check out the room and join us at the next OKNA meeting, Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 7pm. Thanks again, Brad!
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2) Sacred Garden Space Suggestions?
Neighbor Kathryn sends the following message:
Hello, I live in the Overlook neighborhood and I am hoping starting an urban farm/garden with a vision of bringing a sacred wild space to the community that feeds it on many levels. It will have the usual beds for vegetables that we will (whomever participates) collectively take to market and share the profit as well as donating the surplus to those in need in the community. Beyond this I also see a sacred garden space with medicinal herbs planted in archetypal forms such as a spiral and a labrynth, the middle of the garden will have a community space for outdoor meditation and ceremony/ artistic expression. I plan on submitting an application to City Repair requesting volunteer help building a cob tea house;). I am just looking for a good space to plant!
If anyone has any interest in or knows of anyone wanting to share the land in such a way or if anyone knows of a vacant lot that could use some love please connect with me. Thank you! -Kathryn
Email Kathryn
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3) Land Use Notice Posted (1/9)
Check out plans for a remodeling job at the Economy Inn Motel on N Interstate Avenue. As part of the Portland Development Commission’s (PDC) Storefront Improvement Program, the motel owners intend new windows and siding. Check it out and submit your comments, if any. http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/index.cfm?c=42261&a=378707
Questions? Contact OKNA at info@OverlookNeighborhood.org Comments are due 1/9/12. This information was posted in a more timely fashion on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/OKNAinPDX; you too can ‘like’ the page to subscribe to midweek updates like these.
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4) Park Lovers, Meet, Speak Up (1/9)
Portland Parks & Recreation will soon submit their proposed budget for the next fiscal year. As directed by Mayor Adams, their budget reflects cuts of up to $3 million. This impacts important programs and services including: community centers, park garbage and restroom service, street trees, and SUN Community Schools.
Learn more about the recommendations at www.portlandparks.org and then join us:
WHAT: An opportunity to share your thoughts about the proposed budget with Commissioner Nick Fish and Director Mike Abbaté
WHEN: Monday, January 9th, 2012 6:30pm-8:30pm
WHERE: Multnomah County Boardroom @ 501 SE Hawthorne (at the corner of SE 6th Ave. )
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5) City of Portland 2012 State and Federal Legislative Agendas - City Council hearings
We wanted you to be aware that Portland City Council will be holding two hearings next week on the City of Portland's 2012 State and Federal Legislative Agendas. All hearings will be held in Portland City Council Chambers.
2012 State Legislative Agenda
Wednesday, January 11th 10 a.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave., 2nd floor
Link to City of Portland DRAFT 2012 State Legislative Agenda
2012 Federal Legislative Agenda
Thursday, January 12th 3 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave., 2nd floor
Link to City of Portland DRAFT 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda
If you have questions about any legislative item contained in these legislative agendas, please contact City Council offices using this link, which has contact information for City Council offices: http://www.portlandonline.com/index.cfm.
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6) Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group Meets (1/11)
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, January 11, 2012
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: 6543 N Burlington Avenue (at the Portland BES Water Pollution Control Lab)
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7) Do you Dig Square Dancing? (1/12)
We found this post for a Portland MeetUp in Overlook. Contact the group for more information – the name of the group is called Anyone Can Join!, so I guess anyone can! http://www.meetup.com/Anyone-Can-Join/events/46383472/
Old-Time Gathering square dance: Thursday, January 12, 2012, 6:45 PM
Polish Library Association & Grandpa's Cafe 3832 North Interstate Avenue, Portland, OR
Help kick off the 2012 Portland Old-Time Music Gathering with this free square dance featuring two fine bands. It's a smaller version of the big Saturday dance, good for beginners or those who are rusty.
Calling by Zach Hudson and Amy Hofer; Music by Uncle Wiggily and Flat Rock String Band
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Beach Parents: PPS & the Future of Schools (1/17)
Speaking of the OKNA General meeting, if you have a kid, might have a kid in the future or know a kid, you’ll want to attend the next OKNA meeting.
A representative from Portland Public Schools (PPS) will attend the meeting on Tuesday, January 17 to discuss several important issues facing North Portland schools including Beach. Dealing with growing enrollment, aging school buildings needing repairs and delivering strong results for students in every neighborhood are key discussion points. We'd love to see lots of folks representing Beach School and Overlook at that meeting.
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9) Tree Planting Event This Month (1/28)
Come out on Saturday January 28th for Overlook and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods' 13th annual tree planting event. Last year over a hundred people came and we planted over 120 trees. We want you to join us this year!
Bring your kids or anyone else you want too. We will meet at Kaiser Permanente Town Hall at 8:30 for hot drinks and some breakfast items. Then we will go out in small groups and plant trees. Usually people come alone or in pairs, so you will be getting to know some neighbors while out planting trees.
If you want to contribute but can’t plant trees, please consider contributing some breakfast item or a dish for the big lunch we will have after all the trees are planted. Every year we also need people to help organize the meeting places, and to drive other volunteers and trees in your pickup truck. This year we might have close to 200 trees to plant, and will really need volunteers and pickup trucks.
Last year was a huge success and we’re going to make it even better this year. Call Garrett with any questions about how the day will go down, or if you'd like to give a heads up that you are coming with some food or your truck. 503 422 5070. Thanks!
