Community News January 2016

 Tool library celebration

The all-volunteer Southeast Portland Tool Library invites DIY enthusiasts to an open house Saturday, January 16, 11 am – 4 pm at its new location in the Hinson Baptist Church, 20th and SE Salmon St. In addition to celebrating SEPTL’s expansion, the event will observe its fifth anniversary serving the community, and the spirit of service of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday weekend.

With this move, SEPTL has doubled its floorspace, added parking, and streamlined operations to better serve its growing membership of more than 5,000 SE residents.

Visit septl.org for hours of operation, a real-time searchable database of more than 1,200 available tools, and upcoming workshops.

The group’s mission is supported by many generous organizations including Hinson Baptist Church, St David of Wales Episcopal Church, Division Hardware & Paint, SE Uplift, PDX Time Bank, Mr. Plywood, Hot Lips Pizza, and the Buckman Community Association. Sincere and special thanks are due to all the volunteers whose countless hours and tremendous talents keep the Library open.

SEPTL is a community resource run by volunteers who provide residents of SE Portland with tools to perform home maintenance, tend their yards and gardens, maintain their bikes, build furniture, and imagine many other projects – while meeting and sharing knowledge with neighbors.

 

Refreshing your spirit

Adventures in the Evolving Garden with 

Lucy Hardiman, Perennial Partners

Multnomah County Master Gardeners Speaker Series

January 12, 7 pm

Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, 

5441 SE Belmont St./503.445.4608,

multnomahmastergardeners.org  

Free event.  All welcomIf time and Mother Nature aren’t on your side in the garden, join Lucy Hardiman, garden designer and Principal of Perennial Partners, as she explores strategies for restoring, reclaiming, re-visioning your garden and refreshing your spirit. Destruction wrought by falling trees, marauding and over grown plants, an aging body or just the urge to re-design your garden are all opportunities knocking on the garden gate.  Hardiman’s presentation is part of the Multnomah Master Gardeners 2016 Speaker Series, and a free event.

Hardiman is Principal of Perennial Partners, a garden design collaborative, distinguished by innovative hardscape, playful planting design and creative and sustainable strategies for problem-solving and a long-time SE resident. She is the past-president of the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon, served as vice-president of the Rogerson Clematis Collection and a member of the Great Plant Picks committee. Hardiman was a contributing editor for Horticulture Magazine for 8 years and has written for many publications.

Her garden is a testimony to her passion for plants and has been featured in many books and magazines.

Record request center

The City of Portland launched a new web tool in December – the Portland Public Record Request Center (GovQA).

Championed by Mayor Charlie Hales, the GovQA software allows the public to make public records requests through an online portal.

All requests can be made at one website; requests are routed directly to the bureau holding the records and payment can be made online with a credit card or electronic check.

Over the past two years, the number of public records requests has increased significantly. The City of Portland is launching this tool to help City responders provide records to the public efficiently. The City is committed to make records available to the public to encourage oversight and participation by community members.

This tool will streamline the response process and will ensure that the City stays current with evolving methods of record creation, retention, and retrieval.

The Portland Public Record Request Center (GovQA) is live on now at: portlandoregon.gov/66961

 

Lowering the Volume

By Bonita Davis, Master Recycler and Sunnyside resident

Still picking up from the holidays? Recycling spilling over with boxes, papers, bottles and containers from the holidays? It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by too much “stuff”.

Meet Betty Shelley. Betty decided to do something about the excess waste, in a big way.

Shelley and her husband John have reduced their landfill-bound waste to a record one can (35 gal.) in a 16 month period of time. It didn’t happen overnight; in fact, it started 20 years ago with a simple but profound question of “Where is away, when something is thrown away?”

Like many of us, Shelley was uncomfortable with the data that shows Portlanders are still generating over 4 lbs. of waste per day that is being trucked to the landfill.

The Shelleys added rethinking to the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, (the 3 key factors in reducing waste). Gradually, they began shopping bulk and more carefully to reduce unnecessary packaging.

They stopped using disposables.  Using half or sometimes even less of the recommended amount of cleaners and detergents saved them even more. Buying used, and then donating their still-usable items are all part of their strategy.

Once they got started, it became easy, even second nature, and then it became a game, to see how much more they could reduce, reuse and recycle, adding, “it’s no trouble at all”.

By the way, Betty Shelley is one of the recycling and reuse experts answering the phone at Metro’s Recycling Hotline at 503.234.3000.

Maybe one can a year isn’t for you, but you do want to find ways to reduce and recycle. Get inspired and get some ideas by reading about Betty at oregonmetro.govnew/how-low-can-your-garbage-go.

Classes are available. Contact them for info at 503.244.8044 or by emailing greenhouseone@gmail.com.

 

DIVISION DESIGN 

COMMITTEE

Thu, January 28, 2016,

6:30 – 8:30pm

Southeast Uplift

3534 SE Main St.

 

Residential Infill Project

The City of Portland is taking a fresh look at regulations controlling development in single-dwelling neighborhoods to ensure that new “infill” housing meets the needs of current and future residents.

The project will focus on three primary topics: scale of houses, narrow lot development and alternative housing options. The project website has more information at portlandoregon.gov/bps/infill.

An online survey is available now through January 12. The residential infill online survey is at bit.ly/1OOII3y

The survey lets you prioritize the residential infill issues most important to you. Staff will use the results to help identify key community values as the project moves forward.

Survey results will be posted on the project website and shared with the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC).

The SAC meets next, Tuesday, January 5, 6 – 8:30 pm at 1900 SW 4th Ave. Room 2500A (second floor)

SAC members will be briefed on the policy framework that will guide Portland’s development within single dwelling residential neighborhoods and discussing evaluation criteria for assessing future prototype alternatives.

The meetings are open to the public and include opportunities for public comment at the beginning of each meeting. (Note: this is a change – public comment time moves from the end of the meeting to the beginning of the meeting after staff announcements.) Comments are generally limited to a maximum of two minutes per person.

Contact Julia Gisler, City Planner, Bureau of Planning & Sustainability, 503.823.7624  or julia.gisler@portlandoregon.gov

 

Co-op hires membership coordinatoramber

Montavilla Food Co-op (MFC) introduces Amber Peoples as the new Membership Development Coordinator, a part-time role at MFC.

Peoples comes to MFC with a wealth of experience in event and volunteer coordination as well as a passion for cooperative organizations and public health.

“As a member-owner, I am thrilled to join the MFC team during this exciting time in our development,” said Peoples.  “With a clear focus on MFC’s specific mission and the co-op movement’s seven principles, engaged member-owners are investing their resources wisely in strategic capacity development. Joining together to create a shared store for our diverse Montavilla neighborhood will be a wonderful benefit to east Portland.”

The mission of the MFC is to connect the east Portland community to healthy food, support local farmers and producers, build community wealth and advance sustainability initiatives all within a centrally-located, cooperative grocery.  See montavilla.coop for more

Business Beat

 Join Jamie Smith and Yamuna Benedict for a weekly Essential Oil Education series, at 3329 SE Madison St., on Wednesdays from 6 – 7:15 pm, 503.381.1082. Learn the fundamentals, including what an essential oil is, how they work and the methods of application and safety. Learn how essential oils can support your immune system, mood and hormonal system, while empowering you to take control of your health. Gentle movement and meditation will be incorporated, as well as an in-depth study of one oil each week. The winter focus will be on citrus oils. For more information see mydoterra.com/jamiepsmith. Join the meetup group  at meetup.com/Portland-CPTG-Essential-Oils-Meetup.

Weeds are Waiting for You!

By Mary Kinnick, FMTP

Consider becoming a crew leader with the Friends of Mt. Tabor Park Weed Warriors. We learn; we have fun; we make a difference. Our crew leaders work with small groups of volunteers helping them to work safely and effectively, stay highly motivated, and learn more about the importance of habitat restoration in the park. Crew leaders range in age (from high-school aged to retirees), cultural background, experience (from none to professionals working in the environmental sector) and physical strength. See crew leader Brad Copenhaver peeking out from behind the clematis vitalba!

Volunteer experiences are enriched as they learn from the crew leaders and from other volunteers, some of whom have become “regulars”.

Crew leaders are expected to attend one of the following trainings: February 20 or March 12, 10 am – 2 pm and to participate in at least two service projects held the last Saturday of the month from March through October. Lunch will be provided at both trainings.

If your organization would like to volunteer on a regular basis (e.g. once a year, more than once a year), we’d love to have one or two in your group train as crew leaders.

Training includes a two-hour session where new crew leaders learn about the program, restoration techniques, safety practices, how to work with volunteers, and the invasive species most commonly removed. Crew leaders are provided with a manual that contains all the material covered during the training as well as background information on the Friends of Mt. Tabor Park and partner organizations, contact information, and an invasive species lesson plan.

For more information or to sign-up to be a crew leader, email Stasia Honnold at FMTPWeedWarriors@gmail.com, Mary Kinnick at 503.287.6959 or m.kinnick@comcast.net. Check out our Weed Warrior Facebook page linked at taborfriends.org.

 

Park wedding reservations

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Wedding Reservations for 2016 will be taken in person and via phone starting at 8 am, Monday, January 4. The number to call is 503.823.2525.

PP&R is the proud steward of more than 200 parks, gardens, and natural settings that can be reserved for weddings and/or receptions.

This is done on a first come, first served basis. Walk-in customers will receive assistance before phone callers, mail or faxes are addressed.

Prior to January 4, go to the PP&R online reservations system and walk through the steps to create an account. See portlandoregon.gov/parks/66990

Call PP&R’s Customer Service Center to establish an account. Creating an account ahead of time will speed up the reservation process.

They begin taking requests for wedding reservations online Monday, January 11, 2016, at this site. Reservations cannot be made nor held online until Jan 11.

The Customer Service Center is located in the first floor of the Portland Building, at 1134 SW 5th Ave. Entry doors are on the corner of SW 5th Ave and Madison St, under the awning. Several parking lots are available nearby.

Be aware that street parking directly around the Portland Building is limited to 15 minutes during certain hours.

Come prepared with your first, second, and third preferences for both a wedding location and a date.

 

WEATHERIZATION WORKSHOPS – Free workshop where participants learn how to stop drafts in their home, especially around doors and windows to save energy and increase comfort. Great for renters too! Qualified participants receive a free kit of weatherization supplies.

Workshops are Wed., Jan. 6, 6 – 8 pm – Creston SUN School, 4701 SE Bush St.; Tues., Jan. 12, 6 – 8 pm; Thurs., Jan. 14, 6 – 8 pm; Tues., Jan. 19, 6 – 8 pm; Thurs., Jan. 21, 6 – 8 pm at the  Community Energy Project,  2900 SE Stark St., Suite A and Sun., Jan. 24, 2 – 4 pm – Belmont Library, 1038 SE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.Register for the workshop at communityenergyproject.org or call 503.284.6827 x108

 

TAI CHI AND CELTIC EVENSONG at Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church, 2828 SE Stephens 2016 Schedule. Tai Chi classes resume the first week in January at 10 am, Tuesdays and 3 pm Wednesdays.  Starting in January, the monthly Celtic Evensong service moves to the last Sunday of the month at 7 pm. There is ample parking in the lot.  Any questions, contact the church office at 503.236.2430 or office@chpcpdx.org.

 

BUDGET DIALOGUE – Help us determine Portland Parks & Recreation budget priorities that matter most to you. Your participation will make an important contribution to our budget process for this year and beyond. Tuesday, January 12, 6 – 8 pm, St. Philip Neri Parish, Carvlin Hall, 2408 SE 16th Ave. Buses #10 and #14. Snacks and childcare provided. See portlandparks.org.

 

24/7 MAINTENANCE LINE – Call 503.823.1700, report the issue and ask for a tracking number. This is to report public safety hazards, including downed trees and limbs, landslides and debris slides (rocks, mud, vegetation), flooded intersections, downed power lines, clogged storm drains, and other road safety issues. Download a service request app on your phone called PDX Reporter that allows someone to report a concern, take photos and attach them to a service request. Photos can make a big difference if there is a pond extending out into the roadway.  See portlandoregon.gov/53613. If you do not want to download the app but still want to report an issue online, use this link and attach photos to it as well: portlandoregon.gov/32304.

 

ACUPUNCTURE/CHINESE MEDICINE LECTURE, January 7. at 6 pm at New Heights Physical Therapy, 5736 NE Glisan St. Interested in learning about what Chinese medicine and acupuncture can offer the modern athlete? Listen in and discuss the most effective methods for dealing with sports injuries, decreasing training recovery time and general stress reduction techniques. Concussion Awareness & Management January 20, 6 pm. Learn the basics about concussions and how to manage them. Receive information about baseline testing, rehabilitation and resources for support. Register by emailing events@newheightstherapy.com or call 971.339.3405.

 

CLIMATE CHANGE COMING HOME – A presentation by Bill Bradbury, Tuesday, January 12, 7 pm at Taborspace, 5441 SE Belmont St. A special evening with Bill Bradbury, former Oregon Secretary of State, who will speak about the impacts of climate change here in Oregon. Bradbury’s presentation vividly illustrates how regions across Oregon are being affected by changing weather patterns. He will discuss current strategies to reduce carbon emissions and initiatives addressing energy needs in Oregon. Oregon has the potential to be a leader in a more sustainable future. This event is a free community educational event organized by SE 58th Avenue Resilience, with participation from Renew Oregon and 350PDX. For more information contact Lynn at climaterenewal@yahoo.com.

 

PEOPLE’S FOOD CO-OP SNAP MATCHING DONATION DRIVE – Nearly 20 percent of Oregonians use the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). In Southeast Portland, according to the November 2015 SNAP activity data, 5,447 households registered to receive food assistance which equates to over one point two million dollars in benefits. People’s Food Co-op, 3029 SE 21st Ave., recognizes this huge need for access to healthy food in the local community. The SNAP Matching Drive runs through January 15, 2016 at People’s. Here’s how you can help: make a donation on People’s website at http://www.peoples.coop/donations or in store at the register. After you donate, get a raffle ticket from a co-op cashier. Fill out the ticket and you’ll be entered to win restaurant gift cards, concert tickets and homegood prizes. People’s Food Co-op is a community-owned natural foods grocery store and Farmers’ Market. We are a passionate community working together forsustainability, progressive land and animal stewardship, human rights, and social and economic justice.

Clinton Street education and enforcement action

Portland Bureau of Transportation and Portland Police Bureau released the results of a one day traffic enforcement and education action on SE Clinton St. between SE 12th Ave. and SE 50th Ave.

During the public meetings to discuss the project, community members asked PBOT to initiate an education and enforcement campaign to make drivers aware of the unique role that neighborhood greenways play in encouraging walking and biking.

Portland City Council has made a commitment to protect and enhance the city’s neighborhood greenways.

The action generated 35 citations and 25 warnings, with a total of 45 people driving cars and 15 people riding bicycles stopped over the course of the day. With each traffic stop, officers from PPB distributed Vision Zero pamphlets with information about safe travel for people who walk, bike and/or drive.

During the enforcement action, PPB were on the lookout for violations that threatened the safety of people walking and biking. These violations included unsafe passing, speeding, aggressive driving, and noncompliance with stop signs.

The enforcement action was a component of the education and outreach program for the Clinton Neighborhood Greenway Enhancement Project. The project addresses auto volume and speed issues on Clinton St. in order to make the greenway more inviting for people who walk and bike.

As part of the overall improvement of the Clinton Neighborhood Greenway, PBOT has also scheduled the installation of two traffic diverters on SE Clinton St. at SE 17th Ave.and 32nd Ave. Weather permitting, diverters will be installed during the first week of January.

Education and enforcement actions such as the December 15 event are a key part of the City of Portland’s citywide effort to reach its Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Find out more about PBOT’s safety work and Vision Zero, PBOT’s goal of making our transportation system the safest possible and moving towards zero traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2025: visionzeroportland.com.

 

 

 

 

Community News January 2016

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