Easier Access to Energy Efficiency
Local nonprofit Community Energy Project (CEP) has a reputation for bringing people with small budgets and energy efficiency together.
Known for their free weatherization workshops and window kits, the nonprofit provides lead poisoning prevention services and repairs for seniors and people with disabilities.
With 32 years of experience in the weatherization world, CEP stepped into Community Home Performance, delivering large-scale energy upgrades to make homes safer and more efficient.
Community Home Performance supports CEP’s free programs while strengthening locally-owned businesses with contracting jobs.
The Project connects people with smaller budgets to energy and home health upgrades. By collaborating with homeowners and businesses to plan long- term, clients guide the work according to their priorities and particular family needs.
CEP’s free services have been shrinking for years as government grants become less stable. This year they will provide weatherization workshops and supplies to 685 households, a drastic reduction from the 1,200 served in 2009.
Community Home Performance has the potential to minimize shrinking budgets, as well as preserve services for seniors and people with disabilities.
They provide hands-on training to traditionally marginalized Portlanders through partnerships with organizations like Constructing Hope and prioritizes subcontracting to small local businesses, as well as women and minority-owned companies.
For more information, call 503.284.6827 or visit their website .www.communityenergyproject.org They are located at 422 NE Alberta St.
Walking Through the Valley
By Margaret Herrington
The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) is a nonprofit corps of 170 volunteers providing assistance to members of the community in emergency situations.
When first responders (police, fire, search and rescue) feel there is an immediate need for a calm and caring presence, TIP volunteers are dispatched to be with people the emergency system must leave behind.
TIP celebrated their 20th anniversary in September. Over 14,000 people in this region were served in the past year alone. In a world in which tragedy never sleeps, we are dispatched 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For every sensational public event, there are countless private tragedies, memorable only in those circles in which they occur. We’re summoned to homes where death has slipped away with a beloved family member and to hospitals where people wait in agony for words of hope from medical staff. Sometimes we have to remind our clients to breathe. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves to detach so we can serve them better.
Much is made of professional lapses of judgment by police and failures of their training. TIP volunteers bear witness to unsung kindnesses individual police officers extend to people on the worst days of their lives.
Medical examiners offer up difficult truths in courteous tones to bereaved families: your wife left a note, your son died of an overdose, your baby suffocated. Detectives and investigators must conduct interviews when infants die. Difficult circumstances are navigated with grace by these professionals, their work little understood and often questioned.
TIP volunteers stay by our phones, ready in our requisite closed-toe shoes, cars full of gas and stocked with crackers, bottled water, sun block and teddy bears – ready for whatever might happen on a shift.
We don’t know what we’ll find when we are dispatched. It’s better that way, arriving on scene without preconceived ideas, canned scripts, or prepared solutions. What we say and do to provide emotional first aid and practical support comes from our comprehensive training academy and from the wisdom that resides in every human heart.
Like those we serve, we come from all walks: teenagers, retirees, straight, gay, poor, affluent, believers and non-believers. We are realtors, nurses, fishermen, librarians, teachers, students and chefs.
There are currently 14 TIP affiliates nationwide. The model can be replicated in any community with the impulse to help neighbors in need.
For information about the Trauma Intervention Program, visitwww.tipnw.org .
Bar code identification
Here’s a simple way to identify where products are made by the bar code. An example is if the first 3 digits is 690 to 695, then it is Made in China …
00 – 13 USA & Canada
30 – 37 France
40 – 44 Germany
49 – Japan
50 – UK
57 – Denmark
64 – Finland
76 – Switzerland and Liechtenstein
628 – Saudi-Arabian
629 – United Arab Emirates
740 – 745 – Central America
All 480 Codes are Made in the Philippines.
Halloween fundraiser
Venus Allure Salon and Spa’s 2nd Annual Halloween Fundraiser to benefit the “Susan G. Komen for the Cure” is on Saturday October 27, 3 – 6 pm.
All donations of $20 and over will earn 50% back in a Venus Allure Salon and Spa Gift Card. The party includes door prizes, raffles, games and a costume contest for kids.
There’ll be prizes for the man and woman wearing the most PINK to show support, a live DJ with drinks and hors d’oeuvres served.
Those not able to make the party can make donations any time between now and October 31st. The Salon needs help to reach this year’s goal of $10,000. Each dollar donated gets us one step closer to a cure. Thank you to everyone who made last year’s party a great success.
Venus Allure is located at 811 SE Belmont. RSVP toInfo@venusalluresalonandspa.com by October 20.
Venus Allure was established by long time resident Ann Akre who has a passion for the Salon and Fashion industry.
Visit their website to see a full list of services.www.venusalluresalonandspa.com .
New ticket vending machines accompany street cars
Installation of the new ticket vending machines (TVM) on the NS (North South Line) from NW 23rd Avenue to South Waterfront is complete. When the machines are live, riders can purchase tickets with a credit or debit card before boarding streetcars. In addition to reducing waiting at the on board machines, the station TVM’s add another option to the cash transactions streetcar has used since the system opened in 2001.
The ticket vending machines will offer the following fares:
Streetcar Only $1 • TriMet Adult One Day $5
TriMet Adult $2.50 • TriMet Youth $1.65
TriMet Honored Citizen $1
The TriMet One Day fare is good for one calendar day and the other fares are valid for two hours. The Portland Loop Project introduces the Streetcar Only fare which allows customers traveling only on streetcar to purchase a $1 fare and travel anywhere on Streetcar for two hours. This fare is the only fare that does not transfer to the TriMet system.
Mazamas travel presentations
The Mazamas mountaineering club located at 527 SE 43rd begins its fall/winter slide show presentations October 17, 7 pm. These Wednesday evening presentations are free and open to the public. The topics and presenters highlight travel, mountaineering, climbing and hiking.
Shikoku 88: A Buddhist Pilgrimage in Rural Japan
Wednesday, Oct. 17 –
Carole Beauclerk, who lived, worked and traveled in Japan for nine years, takes us on a six week trek of the one thousand year old, 750 miles long, pilgrimage trail on the island of Shikoku.
Beauclerk’s photos and narrative focus on the rewards, challenges and cultural experience as she and a friend visited the 88 temples on this pilgrimage. She will also discuss other pilgrimages in Spain, Portugal and Tibet.
100 Days, 100 Miles, 100 Climbs – Adventure in the Columbia River Gorge
Wednesday Oct. 24 – Scott Peterson grew up traveling along the Columbia Gorge between Portland and his grandparents’ home in The Dalles. He’d stare out the window at the gorgeous scenery and think about exploring the woods and rocks around him.
At age 49 he decided to take on something he could write about, and be inspired by, so he challenged himself to “really” climb the Gorge.
Along with his wife, “The Adventure Queen” and his team, culled from Beacon Rock Climbing Association, Scott set out to complete a dream. Enjoy photos and stories of the 100 day adventure which went from Troutdale to past the John Day River, with 100 climbs including the summit of St. Peter’s Dome.
25th Apple Tasting
Portland Nursery is having their 25th Apple Tasting and to celebrate, they invite customers to help name the North American Tree Company apple that has up to now been known only as NATCO #87!
Come and taste it during the event and submit your best name ideas! If your name is selected, you’ll win a $100 Portland Nursery Gift Card!
There will be over fifty varieties of apples and pears to taste including heirloom varieties you will likely only find at this event, Many available to buy by the pound at exceptionally low prices.
Interested in apples and want to avoid the crowds? The Division St. Nursery at 9200 SE Division, will have some varieties for sale by the pound.
Elder Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 17, from 1- 4 pm. Cosponsored by Portland Nursery, Home Instead and Friends of Portland Memory Garden, this is the 8th year of this special gathering.
Activities for kids include hands-on healthy snack-making activities with CookingThyme that was such a big hit with the kids last year!
These two weekends are packed with great local music and activities for the whole family. Everyone is invited to this annual free event at Portland Nursery at 5050 SE Stark,
Friday – Sunday, October 12 – 14
and October 19 – 21
from 10 am – 5 pm.
Book sale supports libraries
Oregon’s biggest used book sale will be held Oct. 12-15 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 1000 NE Multnomah St., near the Lloyd Center. An estimated 100,000 items will be offered.
This is the 39th annual sale by The Friends of the Multnomah County, a nonprofit volunteer group that supports the library system through advocacy, aid to funding campaigns and grants for programs and materials beyond the operating budget.
General hours will be 9 am to 6 pm Saturday, Oct. 13, 11 am to 5 pm Sunday, Oct. 14, and 9 am to 3 pm Monday, Oct. 15 — 50 percent off day.
The sale is open to Friends’ members only on Friday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 9 pm. Annual memberships — $10 for individuals and $15 for families – are available at the door. No electronic devices, including scanners and phones, for checking prices will be allowed at the sale on this night.
The Friends’ group strives to offer items in only good and excellent condition and includes a section of old and rare books. The sale also offers audio books on tape and CD, music CDs, DVDs, videos, sheet music, maps, pamphlets and CD-ROMs.
Most adult books are $1.50, and pocketbooks and most children’s books are 50 cents. Single CDs are $2, DVDs $3 and videos are 50 cents.
Parking is available on streets and in the hotel garage. Patrons may get a $3 parking garage voucher when leaving the sale. The site is served by MAX and the No. 8 bus line.
For more information: www.friends-library.org ; foladmin@europa.com; 503.294.9176.
LWV urges voters to prepare
League of Women Voters of Portland president Mary McWilliams today urged voters in Multnomah County to prepare for the upcoming general election by visiting VOTE411.org after its October 4 debut to learn about candidates and ballot measures specific to individual districts, and to read tips about voting in Oregon.
“Voters in Multnomah County need simple, helpful tools to help them navigate the voting process and Election Day,” said McWilliams. “VOTE411.org is the nation’s premiere online election resource and the Leagues of Women Voters of Portland and East Multnomah County have added our Voters’ Guide information to VOTE411.org so that it can serve as a resource for all Multnomah County’s voters.”
For young voters, the League has produced a new Take Control web video ( www.lwv.org/multimedia/take-control-vote ) that encourages our newest generation of voters to get registered and vote this year,” McWilliams said. “This video, together with the League’s Electing the President publication (www.lwv.org/content/electing-president-everything-you-need-know ), provide a strong foundation for explaining the voting and democratic process and encouraging voters to participate.” League websites, www.lwvpdx.org and www.lwv-emco.org , have more information.
Registration and ballot information
The SE District Senior Advisory Council (SEDSAC) at Impact NW, is sponsoring a Voter’s Registration and Ballot Measure Information Table at the SE Multicultural Service Center, 4610 SE Belmont St., Friday, October 12, 11:15 am to 1 pm. The public is welcome to attend.
A volunteer from the League of Women Voters of Portland will be on hand to register or re-register residents who have not yet done so. Another LWV volunteer will explain some of the most important measures which will be on the November 6 General Election ballot. Copies of the newly-printed LWV Oregon Voters’ Guide will be available to take home.
Re-registration is necessary if residents have: 1) moved since you last voted; 2) changed your name; 3) changed your signature; 4) changed your political party; 5) have not voted for 5 years; or 6) have never registered before.
Bring your Oregon Drivers License/ID card; or if you don’t have one, remember the last 4 numbers of your Social Security card. The deadline to register or re-register to vote in Oregon is Tuesday, October 16.
For more information about this event, contact Barry Bahmanyar, Transportation and Activities Coordinator at Impact NW’s Senior Program Office: 503.988.6300, Ext. 28323; or Darvel Lloyd at 503.251.2784.
Mark your calendars! The BCA’s Mayoral and City Commissioner Candidate’s Forum is Thursday, October 11, at the Multnomah County Building at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
57TH ANNUAL ALL SAINTS HOLIDAY BAZAAR Nov. 3, 9 am-5 pm Over 40 local artisans and crafters showcase amazing handmade goods for that perfect holiday gift. The Treasure Table will be back with antiques and collectibles. Kids-only shopping room let’s little ones shop with their nickels and dimes. Homemade baked goods will be for sale and the Cafe offers coffee, pastries and lunch. $1 raffle tickets–win a Traeger Grill valued at $800 + many other wonderful prizes! There’s something for everyone! 3847 NE Glisan St. www.allsaintsportland.org 503.232.4305.
FRIENDS OF MT TABOR PARK WEED WARRIORS—Planting Opportunity! Saturday, October 27, 9 am – 12 noon volunteers join with Portland Parks and Recreation to plant natives in an area once dominated by English ivy and Himalayan blackberry. Go towww.taborfriends.org and click on Weed Warriors (also see Weed Warrior Facebook page) for information. You may sign-up in advance through Hands on Greater Portland or SOLVE or contact Alexa Todd, Volunteer Service Coordinator, atAlexaTodd.FMTP@gmail.com. If your group or organization would like to be notified of planting opportunities in the future, contact Mary Kinnick at m.kinnick@comcast.net.
PORTLAND CHINESE LESSONS offers classes for children and adults throughout SE Portland neighborhoods starting in September and October. There’ll be Baby and Me, Pre-K, After School, or Age 12+ Beginning Chinese. Classes are offered at the following SE locations: Sunnyside Elementary School, Mt. Scott Community Center and Sellwood Community Center. A unique method combining color-coding and kazoos teach tones, along with lots of play! For more information call Kristina at 503.888.8270 or find class registration information atwww.portlandchineselessons.com/events-and – classes.html
FREE NATURESCAPING WORKSHOP explores how gardening with native plants benefits the environment and saves you time, money and energy. Less yard work, conserve water, more bees and butterflies! Saturday, October 6, 9 am to 1 pm. Trinity United Methodist Church, 3915 Steele St.. Advance registration required. Register online at www.emswcd.org or call 503.935.5383.
HEALING TOUCH CLINIC For stress eduction and general well-being is offered the fourth Monday of each month at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4033 SE Woodstock Blvd, from 6 – 7 pm and 7 – 8 pm. Professional practitioners consciously use their hands in a heart-centered and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Donations accepted. For further information, or to make an appointment, call Constance Hammond, 503.230.2331.
Sunnyside UMC 5th Annual Autumn Fest – October 20. Dinner, silent auction, and program by the children’s Shine Chorus.Tickets available at the door, adults-$12, children under 12-$5, or family-$30. Doors open at 5 pm, dinner at 6 pm, program at 7 pm. Sunnyside Church is at SE 35th and Yamhill St. Proceeds go towards mission and building maintenance. For information call Karen at 503.407.2667.
The Pongo Fund pet food bank is relocating to 3632 SE 20th in Sunday, October 14 due to damage from multiple storms last winter. The relocation effort is putting a strain on the Oregon charity that distributes pet food to thousands of Oregon & Washington families from its Portland warehouse and through dozens of other social service organizations around the state. The Pongo Fund is now urgently seeking donations to help replenish their statewide kibble inventory before the cold fall and winter months. To help, go to www.thepongofund.org and click Donate Now.
Urban Farm Store Cider Pressing–Saturday, October 6, 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday, October 7, 11 am to 5 pm. Use a locally-made cider press to make cider for a good cause. Requested $10 per gallon donation. Apples are provided, but feel free to bring your own (and bring containers for the cider!). Proceeds benefit Friends of Outdoor School. Cider press is an old-fashioned press with a hand-turned pressing screw and powered chopper.
Boo Norsk! – A Norwegian Halloween, Friday, October 26, 6-7 pm Norse Hall (Bergen Dining Room), 111 NE 11th Ave.www.norsehall.org 503.236.3401 For the youngsters, but all are invited to enjoy the fun and be a kid again. Come in costume and enjoy food, fun, games, pumpkin decorating and maybe even a visit from the Norse Hall Troll.
Buckman Historic Association House Party and Survey update. A house party designed to provide a small group forum for discussion of the proposed historic district for the Buckman neighborhood. This party is being graciously hosted by Sheila Baraga, Saturday, October 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Please note that her house does not have ADA accessible access. Send your RSVP by Thursday, October 4 to Historic.Buckman@gmail.com. Buckman Historic Association has decided not to participate in a property owner survey regarding a proposed historic district. For any questions, contact Historic.Buckman@gmail.com.
RSVP Peer Support Program matches volunteers, age 55 and over, with older adults who would like to have someone visit them on a weekly basis to assist in meeting their personal health and well-being goals. The Peer Support Program is one of many RSVP opportunities in Multnomah County for volunteers age 55 and over. RSVP is a national program, housed locally at Metropolitan Family Service, an organization which creates opportunities to bridge generations and inspire all people to live their best life. For more information, contact Deborah 503.232.0007 ext. 222 or email deborahs@metfamily.org.