Community News July 2013

Knock, knock – it’s your neighbor

 

Calling all story tellers!

 

Verbal storytelling is an incredible medium. It seems these days like it’s been forgotten in a sea of new and old media. Has the art of the soliloquy been lost to the touch screens.

It is time to spice up civic engagement by going back to the roots – charismatic storytellers getting on stage and delivering compelling stories to a crowd.

Storytelling allows us to make every day connections with the people around us. With your story-savvy expertise, SE Uplift will host an inspirational night at the Bagdad Theater, where folks tells humorous and bizarre stories of neighborly interaction.

The audience shows up ready to be entertained. They laugh, they cry and maybe they start thinking about their own communities.

As they walk out of the theater perhaps they think: “Hmmm, maybe I should get to know my neighbors?”

You can participate by telling YOUR story!

Ten lucky storytellers will share their stories live at the Bagdad Theater on September 17. Doors at 5 pm! Show at 7.

Have stories of bizarre and humorous neighborly interaction? Have your neighbors ever saved you from a desperate situation?

Did you ever have an encounter with your neighbor that left you dreading ever having to face them again?

What’s the most epic battle you’ve ever fought against/alongside your neighbors?

Submit your story at www.bit.ly/14IPccm. Send questions to ashe@southeastuplift.org and check out www.itsyourneighbor.org.

Mark your calendars, tell all your friends and join us in the peanut gallery September 17.

 

Be an Ambassador Host an Ambassador

 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to host a foreign exchange student? Now is your opportunity! American Councils for International Education is seeking families in the Portland region to host high school students for the 2013-14 academic school year.

Students arrive in August on fully funded scholarships and receive a monthly stipend and health insurance. Host families are asked to provide three meals a day, a place to sleep and study, and a nurturing home environment for the student until he/she returns home in June 2014.

This is an amazing opportunity for both students and families. Time is ticking, and families are still needed. For more details, contact Nadia at 917.574.5939 or visit www.inbound.americancouncils.org.

 

National night out in August

 

Create a safer neighborhood with a party.

Portlanders are encouraged to celebrate the 30th Annual National Night Out, Tuesday, August 6, by hosting a party, gathering, or get-together to connect or reconnect with neighbors.

National Night Out has promoted crime and drug prevention in neighborhoods the first Tuesday in August every year for the last 30 years. When neighbors gather and know one another, it sends a message to criminals that the neighborhood is strong, organized and that people care what happens there.

“It’s a marvelous and fun way to get neighbors in an area out to meet one another, especially when you have new families on your street,” says Dave Hillman, a National Night Out party host in the Mt. Tabor neighborhood and the founder of a Community Foot Patrol.  “It’s also a great way to meet and interact with neighborhood police officers and firefighters.”

Knowing who lives around you, and being in tune with your neighborhood is an important step in safety and crime prevention.  Who can you turn to if a drug house is noticed on a street, if snow shuts down the city, or if there is an emergency in your home?  In these situations, it’s important that people can rely on their neighbors.

“Criminals want to be anonymous, to go unnoticed,” says Stephanie Reynolds, Crime Prevention Program Manager. “When neighbors look out for one another and pay attention to what is happening on their street and report crime, it goes a long way towards creating a safe neighborhood.”

Last year National Night Out involved 37 million people across the United States, Canada and military bases around the world, with 158 parties here in Portland. Portland’s National Night Out is coordinated by the Office of Neighborhood Involvement Crime Prevention Program in partnership with neighborhood district coalition offices, the Police Bureau, Fire and Rescue, Emergency Management, Parks and Recreation, Development Services, Bureau of Transportation, and many others.

 

Parties can be registered until July 23 at www.portlandoregon.gov/oni/nno or by calling 503.823.4064.

 

Local music and art camp

 

Kenilworth Church, 4028 SE 34th Ave., is planning the 2nd Annual Music and Art Camp, July 15 – 19.

The camp is for children entering Kindergarten through completing the third grade and features music in the morning and art in the afternoon, with a break for lunch provided by the church. Each day begins at 9 am and concludes at 3 pm.

Faculty for the camp include two music teachers associated with the Community Music Center and a local artist and a craftsperson.

“There are no overt religious themes for the camp,” said Rev. David Jewel, pastor at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church.  “It is motivated by Christian values of service to others.

The camp also seeks to be affordable to all. Tuition includes lunch and is $75 for the five-day camp. With scholarships available, “No one will be denied over money,” said Jewel.

Children who qualify for reduced or free lunches at school will qualify for a partial or complete scholarship. The reduced cost and scholarships are made possible by a grant from the Presbytery of the Cascades and donations by church members.

Enrollment is limited to about twenty-five children. Enrollment information is available by calling 503.235.3977, email ing pastorjewel@gmail.com or at www.kenilworthpc.com .

 

Laurelhurst Club’s 100th year

 

The Laurelhurst Club and Neighborhood Association are celebrating The Club’s 100th year of dancing to be held at the Laurelhurst Club and Park 3721 SE Ankeny across from Laurelhurst Park, July 14, from 12 to 5 pm.

The group is inviting musical, dance, art, and history contributions from schools, the neighborhood and nearby organizations. If you know of dance or music groups that would like to perform, school kids wanting to enter the essay contest, or parents wanting to help, contact Rudy Lachenmeier at Rudy@lerlaw.com or 503.781.6148

Mostly free activities planned so far include:

 

• Dance classes for kids and adults in Swing, Waltz, Salsa, Cha-Cha and more • Dance demonstrations by kids and adults • Music demonstrations by kids • Americana sing-a-long • History displays of art and essays by kids and adults • Celebrity judges: Governor Kulongoski, Judge Amiton, Hardy Myers, and Spouses • Kid’s games: 3 Legged Race, Wheelbarrow Race and Tug-of-War • Face painting • Food vendors • Concert by Providence Hospital Big Band with dance floor, 3 – 5 pm and then by Billy and the Rockets from 5:30 – 9 pm.

 

Mentors needed  next school year

 

Volunteers, age 50 and above, are sought to serve as mentors for children in local public schools for the 2013-14 school year.  Many children in elementary school need a little extra attention to thrive academically.

Working one-on-one and in small groups with young children in area elementary schools, these mentors provide the needed support and attention for students to succeed.

AARP Experience Corps is an intergenerational program that focuses on helping children become great readers before finishing third grade.  All mentors work directly with the students.

“Our mentors know they are making a difference in the lives of children,” said Jessica McLaren, program coordinator.

By their active involvement, dedicated volunteers help the children, the school, and the community.

Currently there are 55 volunteers working in 10 local schools in the Portland area.

“We have a wonderful group of dedicated people who love what they do, and return year after year,” said McLaren.

The need continues to grow.  More volunteers are needed for the coming fall.

Volunteer mentors must be age 50 or over and able to commit to four or more hours per week throughout the school year.

Applications for the 2013-14 school year are currently being accepted. A limited number of positions are available, so potential volunteers are encouraged to apply early.

For more information, contact 503.232.0007 ext 222 or email volunteer@metfamily.org.

 

Be Smart! Get Prepared!

By Callie Jones

 

In July, Richmond Neighborhood Association hosts its last two workshops of four emergency preparedness workshops. The last two workshops will be very focused on a particular topic. Neighbors are invited to learn about simple steps to help you prepare with in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Light snacks and beverages are provided and there are great raffle prizes too. Both workshops will be held at Waverly Heights Congregational United Church, 3300 SE Woodward St.

Workshop #3 – Home Strengthening-Wednesday, July 10, 6:30 pm focussing on strengthening one’s home, apartment, business. The first speaker will help to identify what items need to be secured and ideas on how to secure them. The second speaker will focus on details of securing your home to its foundation. This is the perfect place to ask specific questions you may have if you want to do this yourself.Local businesses are invited that specialize in seismic strengthening and will be available to answer questions and/or discuss their services.

Workshop #4 – Neighborhood Network-Thursday, July 25, 6:30 pm, focussing on ideas of organizing and connecting with immediate neighbors on preparedness. 95% of the time immediate neighbors will be your first responders. By taking small simple steps, the reality of survival from a catastrophic natural event becomes much higher. Learn what NET is and how it is changing. Block Connector networks that can keep a community informed and provide ideas and resources on how to get started will be discussed.

 

Business Beat

 

La Bamba, 4908 SE Powell, is building more shelves to hold  more tequilas. Currently they have 130+ tequilas and will be featuring another 30 to 40 more. LaBamba serves five different Moles–something unheard of anywere outside of Oaxaca (Oaxaca known as the land of the 7 moles). For information, call 503.445.6341,or www.labambarestaurantes.com .

 

Montavilla Community Acupuncture welcomes neighborhood resident and licensed acupuncturist Robert “Bert” Williams to their team. Wilson has been practicing acupuncture in the area for seven years and starts Mondays beginning July 15. He’ll be available for individual appointments and walk-in community acupuncture during the Montavilla Street Fair at Montavilla Community Acupuncture, 7925 SE Stark, Sunday, July 21. For information and Monday community hours, visit www.montavilla-acupuncture.com and metba.org/montavilla-street-fair.html.

 

Unplugged Games, located at 3606 SE Powell Blvd., will be celebrating the release of Wizard Of The Coast’s anticipated Magic: The Gathering’s 2014 Core Set with a pre-release tournament Saturday, July 13 at 12 pm.  Entry fee for the tournament is $25, and participants compete for prizes including a M14 booster box, booster packs, play mats and more. All tournament participants will receive a free Magic 2014 promo card while supplies last.

 

Creating Mindful Relationships – Learn user-friendly practices that enhance life and loving. Brain research supports the use of mindfulness for positive change and growth. Join a free workshop facilitated by Mariah Ureel, MA on Tuesday July 16, 6:30 – 8 pm at 2311 E. Burnside Ave. Call 503.421.3785 for more info.

 

 

Cyclist rules for riding on sidewalks

 

By Charley B. Gee, Swanson, Thomas, Coon & Newton

 

What are Oregon’s laws regarding bicycles operating on sidewalks?  What is just common courtesy?

The state law concerning bicyclists riding on sidewalks is quite clear: it is legal. However, the legal ability to ride on the sidewalk comes with a number of warnings:

1.)  While state law does not prohibit riding on sidewalks, a number of city codes do. This includes Portland, which has made riding on the sidewalk illegal in the downtown core bordered by SW Jefferson Street, NW Hoyt Street, Front Ave., and 13th Ave.

2.)  Bicyclists must yield to all pedestrians on sidewalks and must also give an “audible warning” before passing a pedestrian.

3.)  When a bicyclist is riding on the sidewalk and they approach and enter a crosswalk, driveway, curb cut, or pedestrian ramp, and a motor vehicle is approaching, the bicyclist must slow to the speed of an ordinary walk.

4.) A bicyclist cannot leave the curb and move into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. What this means is that a bicyclist who is using both the sidewalk and the street to travel cannot legally transition from the sidewalk down into the street dangerously in front of a car.

5.) There is no speed limit for bicycles on sidewalks, but it is against the law to operate a bicycle on a sidewalk in a careless manner, or in any way that would be likely to endanger any person or property.

Note, that these laws only apply to bicyclists riding on sidewalks.  Portland’s multi-use paths, like the Springwater Corridor, are not sidewalks under the law. That isn’t permission for bicyclists to run roughshod over pedestrians. Abiding by these same practices on multi-use paths will ensure a better environment for all of the path’s users.

One question asked frequently is whether a bicyclist is required to ride the same direction as traffic in Oregon. They are not. A bicyclist riding on the sidewalk has the same rights (and duties) as a pedestrian under Oregon law.

By following these laws, pedestrians and bicyclists can use the sidewalks together safely and efficiently.

 

 

Songbird Anniversary  and Mt. Tabor Park benefit

 

By John McLaren

 

The Songbird Café and the Friends of Mt. Tabor Park join forces July 28 in Tabor Day, a fundraiser to benefit the park and mark the first anniversary of the restaurant.

“We are doing this event to provide assistance to The Friends of Mt Tabor, to help fund their various park upgrades and to celebrate the establishment of Songbird Café on Mt Tabor,” says Songbird co-owner Peter Niland,

The café at SE 69th Ave. and Belmont St., is the only eatery in the area, and just 200 yards or so away from the 69th Ave. entrance to the park.

Owners  Judy Sleavin and Niland have been big boosters of the park and their neighborhood since opening the restaurant last year. Both are on the board of the Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association.

Tabor Day, from 12 noon to 7 pm will be family friendly, Diversions will include “low noise” music, artists at work, an art exhibition featuring historic photos and lots of food including a barbecue.

Artists and musicians interested in performing at the benefit should email hello@songbirdpdx.com.

Volunteers will be on hand to accept donations for FMTP and the group will share in proceeds from an art sale. There will be seating inside and out, and 69th will be closed from Morrison to Belmont Sts. to accommodate kids’ activities, artists, musicians, a lemonade stand, barbeque and a Pedi cab.

The idea for the benefit was hatched by Sleavin and Niland,

A planning group began meeting in late March of April, Dave Hillman, founder and longtime leader of the FMTP says, “to talk about how to make the event a fun, full day and have a number things taking place, such as the music and display of historic photos.”

Planners include Hillman and his wife, Guin, FMTP board member Patty Turner, Foot Patrol member Martrese White, Kevin Caplener, and Terry Woodburn, a videographer and neighbor of the Hillmans.

Other businesses supporting FMTP are Trellis Earth, donating disposable trash bags, Mr Plywood and Home Depot for concert signs, and Warner-Pacific College, which helped pay for printing brochures and provided volunteers to help maintain the dog park.

 

 

THE 4TH ANNUAL BUCKMAN SUMMER PICNIC The Buckman Community Association in association with SE Uplift hosts at Colonel Summers Park, SE 17th and Taylor St., Sunday, August 11 from 4 – 8 pm and features local music, activities for the whole family, free food, door prizes and an opportunity to connect with the community.

 

FMTP ANNUAL PICNIC – Put August 13 on your calendar and join friends and neighbors for the annual Friends of Mt. Tabor Park picnic from 5 to 8 pm, rain or shine at Picnic Shelter A, across from the main parking lot in Mt. Tabor Park, and everyone is invited. Bring a dish to share and join the fun. Drinks, plates, cups, and eating utensils will be provided. See you there August 13.

 

RUN LIGHTLY – WITHOUT TENSION – WITHOUT INJURY – Peter O’Reilly gives a half-hour talk on running with info on the Alexander Technique on Saturday, July 13 at 10:30 at TaborSpace, SE Belmont & 55th (taborspace.org) or Sunday, July 14 at 10:30 at the Central Library, SW 10th Ave. downtown. Kids welcome. www.alivelyquiet.com.

 

FREE day in the parks –  Metro celebrates the 50th anniversary of two very special public parks. This summer, Oxbow Regional Park on the Sandy River and Blue Lake Regional Park in Fairview celebrate their 50th anniversaries as public parks. On Friday, July 12, park entry is free all day. If you haven’t been out for a while, see what’s new (www.oregonmetro.gov/parks). Oxbow: Exploring a forest 11 am to 3 pm.  Metro’s Oxbow Regional Park hides its ancient forest and rushing waters in the folds of a deep gorge. Hike in the cool of old growth firs and cedars, catch a stonefly in the Sandy River and watch osprey raise their young in a treetop nest. Drop in at picnic shelter A, where park naturalists share stories of how volcanic and flood events have shaped Oxbow over the centuries. From there, kids can head off on a scavenger hunt to earn their Oxbow Junior Ranger badge. Blue Lake: Crafts for kids
noon to 2 pm. Drop in at the canopy behind the spray ground and enjoy nature-based crafts, geared to all ages. Then head out to picnic, swim, rent a paddle boat, visit the Natural Discovery garden or play in one of Blue Lake’s many ballfields.

 

Neighborhood Country Fair at the Hawthorne Gardens, 2828 SE Taylor, Saturday July 20 from 10:30 am – 2 pm. The Senior Living Community invites the neighbors to enjoy bingo, a duck derby, face painting, fishing game, cupcake walk and more. Show off your quilt in the Quilt Show. Please bring quilts on July 19 to be displayed. Enter the flower and pie judging contest. Refreshments will be provided. 971.222.0396

 

Six CEI startups win free office space–Six startup companies have won a year’s free office space in the Central East Side, and $10,000 apiece, as part of the Portland Development Commission’s Startup PDX Challenge.The six winners were ActiveEd, Alum.ni, ClutchPlay Games, CoPatient; OnTheGo Platforms, and Safi Water Technology, all with roote in the Portland area. They will each take up up to 200 square feet in a 3,000 square foot storefront at 1220 SE Grand Ave., most recently Mayor Charlie Hales’ campaign office. They were chosen from among 240 applicants.

 

Taoist Tai Chi Society Awareness Day Open House, Saturday, July 27, 11 am – 4 pm, 2251 NE Glisan, 503.220.5970. Join us for the Awareness Day celebration including Taoist Arts Demonstrations, free lessons, free Jai (vegetarian lunch) from 12 – 1:30 pm, tea tastings and mah jong. Visit vendor booths: Lan Su Chinese Garden, CoverOregon, National Alliance on Mental Illness, NorthStar Portland and other health and cultural organizations. www.taoist.org .w

 

Community News July 2013

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