Community News May 2014

Competing with 250 teams of college business students from across the county, Warner Pacific College’s Enactus Team were the first round Champions of the Western region and 5th overall (placing in the top 20) after three levels of competition during the Enactus USA Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio (March 31 – April 3).

Enactus is an international community of student, academic, and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world.

Teams were judged at three levels during the competition based on the content of their presentation, including delivery style, and the organization of the details from the projects presented. Presentations are designed to highlight community-based activities that use business skills to create positive, local change.

The Warner Pacific Team members were: Daniel Ryan – Business Administration; Gimena Olguin – Social Entrepreneurship; Will Brauckmiller – Business Administration and Accounting; and Alexander Hayes – American Studies.

 

Movie Fundraiser for Gardens

 

The Friends of Portland Community Gardens present a screening of “Growing Cities” at Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton St. Wednesday, May 7 at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 at door or at www.cstpdx.com.   Proceeds benefit the Friends of Portland Community Gardens.

Growing Cities is a 2013 documentary examining the role of urban farming in America and asks how much power it has to revitalize our cities and change the way we eat.

The film follows two young men on their trip across the country as they discover how urbanites are revitalizing the social, economic, and ecological fabric of their cities by growing food.

The filmmakers do everything from catching bees with urban beekeepers to working with bicycle-riding farmers who tear up lawns and plant gardens in their place.

At the core of the film is re-imagining what is possible in urban settings and inspiring Americans to create Growing Cities of their own – places that are healthier, more sustainable, and socially just.

Friends of Portland Community Gardens (www. portlandcommunitygardens.org) is a nonprofit organization formed in 1985 with a Mission to support and expand community garden opportunities for all Portlanders.  It was formed in response to deep budget cuts which threatened to eliminate the City of Portland’s community gardening program.

For info, call 503.238.5588 or email  info@clintonsttheater.com.

 

Rose Princesses final event

 

 

After weeks of tours, luncheons, handshakes and smiles, the Rose Festival Court will attend the final judged event prior to Queen selection, Thursday, May 29 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Doubletree Hotel – Lloyd Center, 1000 NE Multnomah. The luncheon is open to the public.

The event is sponsored by the Lions Clubs. The young women will be asked several questions and must give personal, impromptu answers in front of area business leaders and others. Following this event, the judges will decide the 2014 Queen of Rosaria to be announced Saturday, June 7.

SE Portland has three candidates in the running: Theresa Galati, Central Catholic; Callie Krevanko, Cleveland High School and Isabella Rigelman, Franklin High School.

 

Family shelter remains open

 

Back in the warm, sunny days of September 2013, it was hard to picture a time when funds raised through the Dennis’ 7 Dees Charity Golf Tournament would be so desperately needed because of the cold and number of homeless families in need.

That time is now.

Regular funding from Multnomah County for the Emergency Family Winter Shelter, one of many programs run by Human Solutions, ends March 31, and a portion of the $100,402 raised from the Dennis’ 7 Dees Golf Tournament will kick in to keep the shelter open an additional month.

“We are experiencing a much greater need for emergency shelter this year than in years past. The funding from the tournament couldn’t come at a better time,” said Jean DeMaster, Human Solutions’ executive director.

“Because of the generosity of Dennis’ 7 Dees Landscaping and Garden Centers and the companies they work with, over 90 homeless parents and children will be sheltered on that night,” DeMaster said.

The partnership between Human Solutions and Dennis’ 7 Dees began over six years ago, and has grown from a tournament raising $4,600 the first year to over $100,000 last year.

Dave Snodgrass, president of Dennis’ 7 Dees, remarked, “Knowing our efforts are making life better for families is what it’s all about. We aren’t giving up on them; in fact, plans are in the works to raise additional funds through our next tournament in September 2014. We will continue to support the important work Human Solutions provides for our community.”

For more information, visit www.humansolutions.org. Dennis’ Seven Dee is located at 6025 SE Powell.

 

 

It all begins with a conversation…When should I start talking to my aging parents about “End of Life Planning”?

Explore how and when to begin the crucial conversation with family members about end of life wishes and plans.

Questions like: What’s the best approach to use when it’s the right time? What do I do if they won’t participate?

All questions are welcome at Hawthorne Gardens Senior Living, 2828 SE Taylor St., 971.222.0396.

 

 

 

Recycling old clothes

 

By Bonita Davis Certified Master Recycler Sunnyside Neighbor

 

Cleaning out the closet is a rite of spring. Storage areas can be stuffed with items not worn due to poor fit, need of repair, out of style, an impulse buy, poor quality, or saved out of nostalgia.

Calming clothing clutter without adding to the landfill is something we can all strive to do.

The EPA estimates we throw out more than 68 pounds (6.3% of the U.S. municipal solid waste) of clothing/textiles per person per year.

The average American discards around 10 pounds of clothing per year.

SE Portland has many great options for recycling used clothing. Consider a yard sale, or resale/consignment shop, hosting or donating to a swap, posting items online, donating to a coat drive, gifting to friends, or donating to a charity.

Be alert to the needs of your local school, senior center, recreation center and churches as an outlet for clothing donations.

Learn a little about the charity before donating. Will the clothing go directly to the person in need, or will the items be sold for a profit to support other charitable work? Does the charity support a cause you endorse?   Will unsold donations be shipped overseas, donated elsewhere or sent to the landfill if not sold?

Feel good about donating by checking out charity websites or making a call before making your decision.

Donated clothing should be clean, free of soil and mildew, dry, and in good repair. Charity websites list what they accept as well as lists of programs that may take items they turn down.

Designating old clothes for gardening, camping, or messy jobs like painting can prolong the life of a garment.  Consider creative reuse of fabric into another garment, craft, or sewing project.  Cleaning clothes and a supply of rags can be a great last stop for worn cottons.

Helpful resources: www.OregonMetro.gov and use the Find A Recycler tool, The Metro Hotline, 503.234.3000, www.Freecycle.org or www. iReuse.com.

 

Sunnyside for the SUNFLOWER!

 

Pizza Party/Fundraiser

Tuesday, May 6 • 5 – 10 pm

Straight From New York Pizza  • 3330 Belmont St.

 

With the onset of the beautiful Portland spring comes anticipation of another great Sunflower Painting Block Party weekend!

It’s time again for the ‘party before the party’ to cover the costs of painting the big sunflower at  936 SE 33rd Ave at Yamhill St. and Straight For New York Pizza’s back patio is the place to gather where 30% of the proceeds that come through the door go directly to the painting project.

Mark your calendars and hang out with neighbors and friends to help the Sunflower come into bloom. For more info email: chip.rees@gmail.com, or call: 415.205.5898.

 

 

Support Local Nonprofits on May 6

 

On May 6, Portland joins more than 100 communities throughout the United States for a national day of local giving.  Give Local America is a movement to reignite the spirit of giving across the country and to support causes in the communities iwhere we live, work and play.   Join in the excitement by supporting your favorite local organizations.

On-the-Move Community Integration is SE Portland’s own, local, grassroots nonprofit, and one of about forty Portland charities participating in the event. A Portland-born nonprofit in the Richmond neighborhood, it works on the cutting edge of sustainability and social service.

Winner of the 2013 Innovation in Sustainability Award, On-the-Move’s mission is to assist adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in accessing healthful, meaningful, and environmentally responsible activities in their community.

 

On-the-Move needs the community’s help to continue their work, funding for their free reading classes for adults with disabilities. Learn more about On-the-Move and make a gift online at www.givelocalportland.org/#npo/on-the-move-community-integration.

 

Mt. Tabor Reservoir Disconnection

Notice of Public Meetings

 

The Portland Water Bureau is finalizing its draft construction plan for disconnecting the Mt. Tabor reservoirs from our drinking water system. This construction may significantly impact the park and could affect its historic structures. There is a brief window for public response to the draft plan and there will be two important public meetings – the first one May 6.

These public meetings are co-sponsored by the Portland Water Bureau and the Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association. All members of the community are invited to participate.

On Tuesday, May 6, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, you can view the Water Bureau’s Draft Construction Plan and provide important feedback. Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz will be in attendance and the meeting wil be held at Warner Pacific College, McGuire Auditorium, 2219 SE 68th Ave. (just north of SE Division). There is free parking and the lot is accessible from SE Division Public Transit: TriMet Bus #4. Campus map: www.warnerpacific.edu

There will be a follow-up public meeting in early June – date to be announced — at which the Water Bureau will present its final construction plan.Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz and Water Commissioner Nick Fish will both be present. Look for the details in June’s Southeast Examiner.

 

Magazine calls for essays on “Start”

 

In the summer, 2014 issue of Oregon Humanities, Oregonians are invited to share diverse perspectives, thoughts, and ideas with the theme “Start.”

Send stories about good starts, bad starts, false starts, late starts, headstarts, flying starts, running starts, jumpstarts; starting over, starting from scratch, and starting on the wrong foot.

Posts are short essays of no more than 400 words. Past issues of the magazine are available to read online at oregonhumanities.org/magazine.

Send submissions by June 2, 2014, to posts@oregonhumanities.org. Submissions may be edited for space or clarity.

Oregon Humanities magazine, a triannual publication, is distributed to more than 12,000 readers. Oregon residents can sign up at oregonhumanities.org to receive a free subscription.

 

Stand up and be counted

 

This summer, South Tabor Neighborhood will be counting trees! Join the 17 neighborhoods that have already counted street trees to provide a comprehensive map of trees, and produce a Neighborhood Tree Plan. The program is sponsored by Portland Parks Urban Forestry, and accomplished by volunteers. See www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/treeinventory

Be a Tree Data Collector – no experience necessary! You’ll be paired with a team leader to help measure and record data on trees in the neighborhood. There are 4 Saturdays available.

Be an Inventory Team Leader – training provided! Lead a 2-person team to identify trees you are measuring and recording. You have a choice of a Wednesday or Saturday training day, and then there are 4 Saturdays available for inventorying.

Team Leader Training: Saturday June 14 or Wednesday June 18 (time and place to be announced)

Inventory Days: Saturdays from 8 am -noon, June 21, July 19, August 23, September 27.

Contact the South Tabor Tree Team SouthTaborTreeTeam@gmail.com

 

 

BREAKFAST FORUM, May 15, 7:30-8:30 am  Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church Library, 5441 SE Belmont. Discussion about our water system and candidates  The pros and cons of who should manage the Portland Water Bureau and the Bureau of Environmental Services will be explored, the possible vote in November on our water system as a Public Trust, and the candidates. The Breakfast Forum is an informal group whose members meet monthly to learn about and discuss political issues in respectful ways. Members choose both topics and speakers. Free and no registration required.

For information call 503.774.9621

 

PUBLIC BINGO – Friday, May 9, 1:45 pm – 3 pm. Play bingo, visit friends, and who knows…maybe WIN a prize! All are welcome. Hawthorne Gardens Senior Living, 2828 SE Taylor St, Portland, 971.222.0396.

 

WHOLE CHILD MONTESSORI CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – Saturday, May 31,  2 – 5  pm at the school, 5909 SE 40th Ave. Alumni, connect with old friends! Share memories! Take a nostalgic hands-on journey through your old classroom! See former teachers! Thank you yo Otto’s for food. Music too. www.wholechildmontessori.org .

 

MAY FAIRE, Saturday, May 10, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at Wild Lilac Child Development Community, 3829 SE 74th Ave. There will be crafts and children’s activities, music, plant sale, Maypole dance, bake sale, puppet show and food. Wild Lilac rovides child-centered and developmentally-appropriate care and education for children from six weeks to six years of age, as well as support services for children and their families. 503.236.3240, www.wildlilac.org .

 

SPRING FOR YOUR RIVER: A BENEFIT FOR WILLAMETTE RIVERKEEPER – Thursday, May 8, 6 pm at Union/Pine, 525 SE Pine St. Their annual silent auction and benefit is an evening of great food and Django-inspired music by Swing Papillon, environmentally-minded speakers and outstanding silent auction items. Willamette Riverkeeper is the catalyst behind recent and pivotal developments that change the future of our river: from its designation as a National Water Trail, to our success as a watchdog for the Clean Water Act and the Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup. Your support helps protect and restore our home river while engaging the community in its stewardship. Tickets $35 register online or call 503.223.6418.

 

MT. TABOR PARK RHODODENDRON WALK – Sunday, May 18, 11 am. Meet at Mt. Tabor Park Visitor Center. Kathy Van Veen of Van Veen Nursery will identify rhododendrons during this free, one-hour guided walk in the park. Organized by the Friends of Mt. Tabor Park with support by Van Veen Nursery. Also on May 11 – Mother’s Day Sunday,  Run Mama Run – Adoption Mosaic‘s 6th annual 10k, 5k and Kids’ Race in Mt. Tabor Park. Register at runmamarunpdx.org.

 

SELLWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DAY– Local businesses will donate a portion of their sales for the day to the Sellwood Middle School Foundation.  Participating businesses have a poster with a big red apple in the window. For a complete list visit the Facebook page, Support Sellwood & Celebrate Sellwood.  At 11 am the SMS Band, dance team and students will parade through the neighborhood celebrating all the support the school receives from the community.  Join in the fun and support your local businesses.

 

PORTLAND SINGS! A community sing-along and a casual, fun group-singing opportunity for everyone wanting to sing. Sunday, May 18 from 3 -5 pm at TaborSpace, 5441 SE Belmont St. Sing folk, pop, blues, country, Motown and everything else. For a digital lyric book email info@SingFreeNow.com. Sliding scale $5-10.

 

OPEN MEETING WITH GANGAJI, Saturday May 3, 7:30 pm, at Unity Church of Portland, 4525 SE Stark St. Gangaji travels the world speaking to seekers from all walks of life sharing her direct experience of the message she received from Papaji. No Registration. $20. www.gangaji.org .

 

LET’S SHARE HOUSING COMES TO PORTLAND – Learn how to find and keep compatible housemates whether you are homeowner or home-seeker.  Learn the benefits of shared housing and why it makes so much sense in this day and age.  Ready, Set, Share! Eastside Presentations will be at Taborspace, 5441 SE Belmont St. (Mt Tabor Presbyterian Church) Wednesday May 14, 6 – 8 pm; Saturday May 24,  10 am – noon; Wednesday June 11, 6 – 8 pm; Saturday, June 28, 10 am – noon. See letssharehousing.com. For questions call Michele at 503.680.8649.

 

EMOTIONS 101 – Thursday, March 14, 6:30 – 7:30pm. 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. Learn a tool that works to loosen “sticky” emotions. No registration required, just drop in. Classroom opens at 6:15 pm. No food or pets. 1235 SE Division St., #207. For information, visit www.TinaGilbertson.com/free_events.html.

 

BEGINNING CHANTING WORKSHOP – Six Tuesdays, April 29 – June 3, 7 to 8:30 pm. Class meets  at Portland Friends of the Dhamma, 2514 SE Madison St., one block north of Hawthorne Blvd.. Offered without charge; donations to Friends of the Dhamma are gratefully received. Email: charlac@gmail.com or visit pdxdhamma.org for more information. All levels welcome.

 

Montavilla First Fridays–a celebration of art & music in SE Portland SE Stark St. from 76th – 82nd  6 pm –  until late night on May 2, June 6, August 1, September 5 and  October 3. Check out Montavilla First Fridays on Facebook for more detailed information or contact metbassoc@gmail.com.

 

Secure Your Home Against Disaster–Workshops on the safety of your living environment with information for both renters and homeowners. Speakers will cover fire safety and non-earthquake hazards; non-structural measures anyone can take to protect against earthquakes; and seismic upgrades for homeowners. Exhibits, informational handouts, and door prize drawings to win emergency gear items. Workshop #1, Make a Plan & Build a Kit: Saturday, May 3, 2 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, 3915 SE Steele St. Workshop #2, Help Friends & Neighbors Get Prepared,: Tuesday, May 20, 6:30 – 9 pm, Reedwood Friends Church, 2901 SE Steele St. Workshop #3, Secure Your Home Against Disaster: Woodstock area: Saturday, May 31, 2 – 4:30 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, 3915 SE Steele St. wGetReadySEPDX.wordpress.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community News May 2014

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