Community News March 2013

5K Races Return Bigger and Better 

 

Portland Parks & Recreation’s wildly popular series of $5 5K races returns for 2013 at six Portland parks, including two new sites.

The series has had all races filled to capacity plus waiting lists this past year. Races are held monthly beginning in May, running (pun intended) through October.

$5 5K races are perfect for walkers and runners all ages and abilities, including first-time and less experienced runners. The series is a fun, family-friendly way to engage in healthy lifestyle choices and are part fitness, part community gathering, and fun!

All races begin at 9 am with the free, 1K kids’ fun run beginning at 8:45 am. This year, two new parks, Fernhill and Laurelhurst, will be on the circuit to better provide for the large number of runners expected.

PP&R has worked hard to make at least one race easily accessible to all areas of town, while still increasing the diversity of courses.

Adults can run for only $5, as you might have guessed, and youth 17 and under run for free! Space is limited, and last year all races were full a month in advance, so sign up now.

Register online for any and all races at www.5dollar5k.com/register.html
. Call 503.823.2525 or sign up in person at any Portland Parks community center location

Portland Parks & Recreation’s $5 5K Races:

Fernhill Park (NE Portland new for 2013!) May 19;
Lents Park – (East Portland) June 9;
Gabriel Park (SW Portland), July 14;
Laurelhurst Park (SE Portland, new for 2013!)  August 11;
Westmoreland Park (SE Portland) – September 22;
Pier Park (North Portland)- October 20.

All races feature free music, vendors, free rock climbing wall, balloon animals, finisher ribbons, and 1st-3rd place medals for top male/female finishers in youth/teen/adult/senior age groups and raffle prizes. All participants eligible)

 

For more information, call 503.823.5300 or visit portlandparks.org.

 

Two theater venues closing

 

Theatre Vertigo, a Portland non-profit theatre company currently in its 15th season, is losing its permanent home of nine years at the Theater! Theatre! Building in the Belmont district of SE Portland.

The landlord notified the company recently that he would not be renewing their lease and that both theaters in the building will be closed at the end of the 2012-2013 theater season.

“Although we are obviously sad to be losing our home, we see this as an opportunity to grow into something even better for the community. We hope to find a similar venue where we can work with many other organizations, surrounded by colleagues and fellow theatre-makers,” said Theatre Vertigo Company member, Kerry Ryan.

Theatre Vertigo is deciding on a venue for its 2013-2014 season but The Velvet Sky is still running and Aloha, Say The Pretty Girls at Theater! Theatre! to finish their season.

Theater! Theatre! is also the permanent home to Profile Theatre and the theaters at 3430 SE Belmont have been the producing home of many series including: 24 Hour Plays, Action/Adventure Theatre, Beat BangerZ, Black Tie Comedy Troupe, Classic Greek Theatre, Dance Naked Productions, Fuse Theatre Ensemble, Jewish Theatre Collaborative, La Bodega Productions, Nomadic Theatre Co., Northwest Classical Theatre Co., Playback Theater, Portland Theatre Works, Twilight Repertory Theatre, The Attic Institute, and many others along with over two dozen teachers and individual artists.

For more info, call 503.306.0870  or email vertigo@theatrevertigo.org .

 

“Fancy Futbol Footwork” – A free soccer clinic will be offered for the whole family and featuring players from the Portland Thorns professional women’s soccer team in conjunction with Milagro Theatre’s production of Guapo (see this month’s A&E pages). The clinic is from Noon – 1:30 pm, Saturday, April 6 at El Centro Milagro, 537 SE Stark St. Advance registration required; call 503.236.7253

 

Independent Police Review

 

The Portland City Auditor’s Independent Police Review (IPR) division is responsible for the civilian oversight of the Portland Police Bureau (Police Bureau).  The Citizen Review Committee (CRC) is an advisory body to IPR and the Police Bureau.

CRC holds appeal hearings of police misconduct investigations, listens to community concerns, engages in trainings to increase cultural awareness, reviews Police Bureau policies and advises IPR on complaint handling processes.

CRC members are appointed by Portland City Council to serve three-year terms.

Candidates must be Portland residents or business owners, and be impartial and objective without bias regarding law enforcement.

Applications are available at www.portlandoregon.gov/auditor/ipr or the IPR office: City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave., Room 320. Return applications by 5 pm, Wednesday, March 13, 2013, via fax 503.823.3530, e-mail crc@portlandoregon.gov, mail, or hand-delivery to IPR.

 

Wedding dresses

 

Portland-based Brides for a Cause will be hosting a Charity Wedding Dress Sale March 9 and 10 at The Laurelhurst Club, 3721 SE Ankeny St.

The event will support Wish Upon A Wedding, a national non-profit organization based in San Francisco, dedicated to providing weddings and vow renewals for individuals facing terminal illness and other serious life-altering circumstances.

The sale features 800+ new and gently-used wedding dresses donated to the non-profit to be resold at discounted prices by its partner Brides for a Cause, as a way to help raise funds for the charity.

Dresses are offered at discounted prices up to 75% off the retail price. Prices start at $150 and feature a variety of designers and styles.

Sizes range from 2-20 and 50% of the proceeds go directly to the charity. Visit www.bridesforacause.com for details and to register.

Saturday, March 9, 2 pm – 8 pm; Sunday, March 10, 10 am – 6 pm. Free admission, open to the public.

 

Mentors needed at Buckman Elementary

 

Impact NW is looking for caring and committed volunteer mentors for students at Buckman Elementary School. Mentors meet their mentee once a week to provide encouragement, support, friendship, a listening ear, and a time and space to explore things that their mentee enjoys. They help youth identify strengths and help them to achieve goals. It is way to make a difference in the life of a young person in the community.

They are specifically interested in mentors to match with 4th and 5th grade students preparing for the transition from elementary school to middle school. Both male and female mentors are needed but there is a significant need for male mentors.

This program is offered through the Buckman SUN Community School at Buckman Elementary and is a collaboration of ImpactNW, Multnomah County Office of School and Community Partnerships, the City of Portland Parks and Recreation Department, and Portland Public Schools.

If you’re interested contact Sare Rane at 971.222.4982 or via email at srane@ImpactNW.org Sspecify you are be in mentoring at Buckman.

Impact NW is a premier provider of educational and social services in the greater Portland metro area.  The organization’s mission is to help people prosper through a community of support. Annually, over 60,000 low-income children, youth, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities participate in Impact NW’s comprehensive anti-poverty programs.

 

 

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 31 from 10 am – 12 pm at the Hawthorne Gardens Senior Living Facility, 2828 SE Taylor. There will be a Golden Egg Basket Give-away, family photo with the Easter Bunny and refreshments.

 

Globetrotters challenge students

 

Students of Franklin High School took on the Harlem Globetrotters in the latest round of Howard Johnson’s Give Happy Challenge, becoming the second of four schools throughout the country to win a $2,500 donation from the hotel chain in 2013.

Amidst shouts and cheers of 1,400 peers, the challenge took place in the school’s gymnasium and pitted 12 of the school’s top students against members of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters in a series of six fun and wacky 60-second competitions.

Among them: rapidly pulling tissues out of two stationary boxes using both hands and quickly fanning eggs with a pizza box to roll them across the floor.

Franklin High was chosen to participate in this year’s challenge thanks to the good-will efforts of the students including regular involvement with organizations like the Red Cross, fundraising for CommuniCare and the school’s annual competition for the Erickson Trophy: a school-wide contest in which every grade level competes against the others in the categories of school spirit, humanitarianism and academics.

The Original Harlem Globetrotters celebrating their 87th consecutive year in 2013, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages.

 

Know your insects presentation

 

Increase Your Insecticide IQ, will be presented by Gail Langellotto, statewide coordinator of the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program on March 12.

New insecticide chemistries and formulations challenge sustainable gardeners to stay abreast of emerging data on the persistence of these products in our gardens and the impacts of these products on target and non-target insects.

In this presentation, Gail will focus on the relatively novel insecticide, imidacloprid, but will also discuss the latest data on the impacts of low-level, chronic insecticide exposure to bees.

Langellotto, an entomologist by training, has spent many years studying how spiders and insect behavior either promote or inhibit natural pest control. When she began feeling badly about forcing spiders to eat each other or wasps dueling to the death, she switched to the less ghastly subject of bees and pollination.

The March 12 program begins at 6:45 pm at Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, 5441 SE Belmont. Parking is on SE 54th Ave.

This is a part of the monthly OSU Extension Multnomah County Master Gardeners Speakers Series.

 

Southeast Portland Food Project’s first birthday

 

For the past year, on the second Saturday of every other month, the Southeast Community Church (SECC) Food Pantry is awash in a sea of green.

These are the days when lime green bags filled with food, collected from over 200 neighbors throughout SE Portland, converge on the pantry for delivery, thanks to the efforts of the Southeast Portland Food Project.

The collected food is distributed between two emergency food programs: the SECC Food Pantry, providing food to over 600 families a month, and the Kelly School SUN Pantry, which provides food boxes to 70 families with students enrolled in the elementary school.

Receiving regular neighborhood food donations from the Southeast Portland Food Project is one of the key contributors in sustaining the Kelly School Sun Pantry.  “It’s a safety net for us,” says Christine Rhoney, Founder and Impact NW SUN Site Supervisor.   “You never know when funding will go away.   The Southeast Portland Food Project gives us the ability to continue to serve the growing number of families in need in our community.”

Regular neighborhood food donations is one of the key contributors in sustaining the Kelly School Sun Pantry. “It’s a safety net for us,” says Christine Rhoney, Founder and Impact NW SUN Site Supervisor.  “You never know when funding will go away.  The Food Project gives us the ability to continue to serve the growing number of families in need in our community.”

In February 2012, Richard Nudelman, an active participant of the successful Medford Food Project, brought the program to Portland. Instead of asking for one-time contributions of food, volunteers enlist their neighbors to become long-term food donors.   Neighbors fill their green bags over a two-month period. On pick up day, they place the bag on their porch, and volunteer neighborhood coordinators collect the bags and deliver them to the pantry.

The Food Project is off to a successful start with over 200 donors throughout southeast Portland supplying nearly 3,000 pounds of groceries, but it’s still in its infancy.

“Unlike most non-profits, we are powered 100% by volunteers,” says Richard.  To help the program grow, more neighborhood coordinators and donors are needed, as well as those with web development, marketing, public relations and event coordination skills.

If interested in volunteering, contact Richard Nudelman at 503.775.2110, or by email at southeastfoodproject@yahoo.com.

 

Jim Bridger K-8 School in SE Portland hosts their second annual Building Bridges for Bridger auction at The Madeleine Hall in NE Portland, Saturday, March 16. Bridger School serves approximately 400 students in grades K-8th and is widely known for its strong neighborhood and Spanish immersion programs, wonderful diversity and devoted teachers. To purchase a ticket to the Building Bridges for Bridger Auction, please visit www.bridgerpta.schoolauction.net/auction2013 . Anyone interested in making a donation or sponsoring the event may contact the auction coordinator, Marieke Mertz at mariekemertz@gmail.com

 

The annual spring bazaar at Oregon Buddhist Temple will be Sunday, March 3, 11 am to 3 pm. Featured foods will be chow mein, udon (noodles), chicken bento and tofu bowl (vegan). There will be a snack bar, baked goods and mostly Asian gifts on sale. The temple is located at 3720 SE 34th Ave., one block south of Powell. The #9 bus runs close by. For further information check the website oregonbuddhisttemple.com or call 503.234.9456.

 

Entrees needed for the 82nd Ave of Roses Parade on April 27th, 10 am from Eastport to SE Yamhill.  To get an application to be in the parade call 503.771.3817.  Also vendors for Carnival Days from 10 am to 4 pm on the day of the parade.  Interested Vendors can call 503.774.2832.

 

Town Hall Meeting, Saturday, March 23, 2013


10 am until 11:30 am at Post Five Theatre: 850 NE 81st Avenue #101. Please join Senator Jackie Dingfelder and State Representatives Alissa Keny-Guyer and Michael Dembrow for a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the current legislative session.

 

CenturyLink, Inc. low-income assistance programs that help qualifying consumers obtain reduced-price voice and high-speed Internet services. CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program called Lifeline to make residential telephone service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Qualifying consumers are those who meet eligibility standards defined by the Federal Communications Commission and state public service and utilities commissions. To find out more about the Lifeline program, visit the government website at www.lifeline.gov. Individuals living in a CenturyLink service area should call 1.800.366.8201 or visit www.centurylink.com/lifeline to inquire about Lifeline eligibility.

 

EMOTIONS 101– Tired of applying a fresh coat of positive thinking over an old set of “negative” feelings? Self-compassion can help you transform negativity into a positive personal growth experience. Come learn a tool that really works to loosen “sticky” emotions. No registration required, just drop in Thursday, March 14, 6:30-7:30 pm. Classroom opens at 6:15 pm. No food or pets, please. 1235 SE Division St., #207. For more information, visit www.TinaGilbertson.com/free_events.html.

 

The Clear Transitions workshop for women who are going through divorce or separation is offered every third Saturday of the month from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm at the offices of Waddell & Reed at 700 NE Multnomah St.  Cost is $30.  Next class is March 16.  Register at www.cleartransitions.eventbrite.com . Call Linda at 503.232.8550 for details.

 

Viking Pancake Breakfast–What better way to start the day than with a plate of delicious, all-you-can-eat pancakes? Breakfast also includes sides of eggs, sausages, fresh fruit, applesauce, orange juice, tea and bottomless coffee – all served up with Norwegian charm from 8:30 am to 1 pm.  Adults: $7. Children 5-12: $3 (under 5: free). Children’s Nordic story time from 10 – 11 am, Norse Hall, 111 NE 11th.

 

The Birds of Mt Tabor Park–Gerard Lillie, well-known birder who leads the Audubon-sponsored April-May bird walks in the Park, is the featured speaker at the Tuesday, March 19, 7 pm at the annual meeting amd winter program of the Friends of Mt Tabor Park. This is a presentation not to be missed! Doors open at 6:30 pm at Western Seminary (SE 55th & SE Hawthorne, the Chapel). The Annual Meeting begins at 7 pm, followed by the presentation.

 

Looking for spiritual nourishment? Pray the Novena of Grace! The Novena of Grace is a longstanding tradition. Meet at the same time and place for 9 consecutive days to sing and pray for what’s most deeply desired. Listen to the reflections, post prayers, and find out more at www.novenaofgrace.com.  Jesuit author Fr. Gary Smith and Jessica Heringer of Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest. March 4 – 12, St. Ignatius Church, 3400 SE 43rd Ave., 503.777.1491 or email novenaofgrace@gmail.com

 

Oregon Food Bank presents Free Gardening Classes – Learn to grow your own produce from seed to supper. A 5-week beginning gardening course for adults March 6, 13, 20, 27, and April 3 from 6:30 pm – 8 pm at Bridgeport United Church of Christ, 621 NE 76th Ave. Classes taught indoors with possible visits to on-site gardens. The class is free and open to the public.  Plan to attend all five classes. All participants receive a free beginning gardening book and a certificate of completion. Topics include garden site and soil development, garden planning, planting, garden maintenance, and harvesting. To sign up, email judmcl51@gmail.com or call 971.230.1639 and mention “Bridgeport Seed to Supper”

 

Rummage Sale to benefit Mt. Tabor Middle School PTA – Hundreds of fantastic bargains, many at $1. Great quality items. Saturday April 27, 9 am to 2 pm in Mt. Tabor Middle School Cafeteria, 5800 SE Ash St. Contact Shauna Johnson if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation of gently-used items to the sale: shaunajohnson@juno.com or 503.772.0427. Bring donations directly to Mt. Tabor Middle School on Friday, April 26, from 4-7 pm.

 

All Portland Public Schools Board of Education candidates  have been invited to outline their plans for neighborhood schools and answer questions at a forum on April 10. Three of seven School Board members will be chosen by voters at the May election this year. The forum is co-sponsored by the Franklin High School PTSA and the Cleveland High School PTA.  It will be held in the Gym at Franklin High School (5405 SE Woodward)Wednesday evening April 10 beginning at 7 pm.  Admission is free and the general public is urged to attend.

 

 

Community News March 2013

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top