Community News February 2016

LWV discuss cleaning up the Willamette/Superfund

The Portland Harbor Superfund Project is the focus of a public program co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Portland and the Citizens’ Utility Board of Oregon (CUB). The free event is Tuesday, February 9, at 7 pm in the Multnomah County Bldg., Board Rm., 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Cleaning the Willamette River at the Portland Harbor Superfund Site is a program designed to prepare Portland for information sessions and public comment on the U.S. EPA’s Willamette River clean up happening this spring. The plan study area extends from the Columbia Slough to the Broadway Bridge.
The Portland Harbor Superfund Site resulted from over 100 years of industrial activity and USEPA has documented contamination in the water and sediments harmful to human health. Portland Harbor was placed on the National Priorities List in 2000.
The community has the opportunity to hear from key players involved in the process. Hear Cami Grandinetti and Kristine Koch, U.S. EPA; Bob Sallinger, Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group and Audubon Society of Portland; Barbara Smith, Lower Willamette Group; Representatives from Native American Tribes and a coalition of parties of businesses and public agencies that participated in the investigation of the site.
Janice Thompson, CUB Consumer Advocate is moderator for the forum. See lwvpdx.org.

Blood donations urgently needed

The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors now and throughout the winter to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients in need. Eligible blood donors of all types are needed, especially those with O, AB, B negative and A negative.
Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1.800.RED CROSS (800.733.2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities close to SE:
• Feb. 1, 10 am – 3 pm, Warner Pacific College, 2219 SE 68th
• Feb. 8, 10 am – 4 pm, Doubletree Hotel, 1000 NE Multnomah
• Feb. 11, 11 am – 4:30 pm, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock
• Feb. 14, 11 am – 4 pm, Cloud City Ice Cream, 4525 SE Woodstock

MEALS ON WHEELS PEOPLE, 4610 SE Belmont St., needs volunteers. They deliver 200 meals to homebound seniors in the neighborhood and serve 80 meals a day in the dining room at the same address. Drivers are needed to help deliver meals Monday though Friday. For 2 hrs a week, you can make a huge difference. Help with food preparation, serving, cleaning up and dishwashing in the kitchen and dining room is needed too. Stop by the center or call 503.927.8766.

BUSINESS BEAT

CARTER & ROSE, 3601 SE Division St. – Looking for something fun to do with your love? Make ceramic projects together in a reserved seating clay night. Included in this package: reserved seats for 2, clay, firing fees and a bottle of wine or 6 pack of beer. February 12 or 13 from 7 – 9 pm, $50 per couple. carterandrose.com.

PORTLAND MOBILE NOTARY is a new small business based in SE Portland serving the needs of title companies, small businesses and senior citizens. The customer base is families who need end of life documents – wills, powers of attorney, advance directives – notarized. Signings take place in assisted living centers, nursing homes and private residences. Ellen Finley, 503.519.9076, portlandmobilenotary@gmail.com, 5100 SE Harney Dr. Ste.109.

Meditation class

Portland Friends of the Dhamma host a new class, Brightening the Mind. Explore activities recommended by the Buddha for lifting the mood in meditation.
Use the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha as formal meditation objects to strengthen intention toward generosity and integrity. These recollections, or Anussatis, help create a continuous loop of practice, wise reflection and adjustment, focused on the development and maintenance of skillful mind states.
Class begins February 15 from 7 to 9 pm for six Mondays. The class is available by donation, and is aimed at those interested in freshening up their regular meditation practice and adding more tools to their toolbox. RSVP is not necessary, but appreciated.
Portland Friends of the Dhamma is at 1404 SE 25th Ave., one block north of Hawthorne Blvd. Park at Rivermark Community Credit Union and Friendly Smiles Dental Group. pdxdhamma.com

Home projects
Workshops

• Weatherization Workshop Learn how to stop drafts in your home in a free workshop. Save energy around doors and windows and increase comfort. Qualified participants receive a free kit of weatherization supplies. Great for renters too!
Workshops are Wednesday February 10 and February 17, both at 6 pm at Community Energy Project, 2900 SE Stark St, Suite A
• Do-It-Yourself Insulation Workshop teaches participants how to weatherize a flat attic. Topics include safety, air sealing, ventilation, installing insulation, and incentives to cover the cost of your project.
Saturday, February 6, 9 am to noon at SE Portland Tool Library, 1137 SE 20th Ave
• Lead-Safe Home Projects Workshop – Before any demo, scraping, sanding, or remodeling in pre-1978 housing, take this workshop. For people who want to do a small project involving exposure to lead paint, like sanding down an old window frame or a reused door, or a small construction project in an older home.
Thursday, February 25, 6 pm also at the Community Energy Project, 2900 SE Stark St, Suite A.
Register for the workshops atcommunityenergyproject.org or call 503.284.6827 x108.

Multnomah Master Gardeners Speaker Series

Of Moss and Men
February 9, 7 pm
TaborSpace, 5441 SE Belmont St.
Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church,
5441 SE Belmont St./503.445.4608
multnomahmastergardeners.org
Free event. All are welcome

Who would think that lowly mosses, the unassuming (and sometimes maligned) denizens of our rooftops, trees and dark crevices, might tell us something profound and about human health? Without roots or the ability to store water, moss lives at the mercy of the elements, relying fully on the atmosphere for all moisture and nutrients. Their tiny leaves, one cell thick, have no protective layer. Often growing in dense low-lying cushions, mosses intercept and trap environmental contaminants from the air, providing a valuable record of air quality.
The Multnomah Master Gardener Speaker Series presents Geoff Donovan, research forester, and Sarah Jovan, lichenologist, both of the US Forest Service in a talk about research using moss to map pollutants and indicate human exposure across Portland. They will discuss implications for urban gardening and how you can participate in the next research phase.

What is Food Justice?

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Know Your City and People’s Food Co-op hosted a community dialogue with speakers who organize for food justice and racial justice in our local community. Topics included gentrification, displacement, culturally responsive food gardens, and equity in local food policy.
During the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. worked with a huge coalition of leaders on a broad range of issues, including: voting rights, housing, and segregation. Their dreams of equality and justice for all people ties directly to the food crisis that impacts low income communities and people of color today.
The night’s speakers included: Jamilah Bourdon, All-African People’s Revolutionary Party, former long term co-manager at Alberta Co-op; Shannon Cogan, Community Engagement Manager, Sisters of the Road; Nick Sauvie, Executive Director, Rose CDC; Edward Hill, Executive Director, Groundwork Portland and Shantae Johnson, Nutrition Policy Specialist, Multnomah County Health Department.
The general concern is the equity issue: people of color don’t have the same food choices and options as the more entitled members of our society. Displacement and racism affects food justice in various ways, including “redlining” by banks and retail outlets, the outmigration of jobs and food.
This lack of access to healthy food appears to be tied into the overall health of our nation as well. A 2010 report by the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity found children are on track to have a shorter lifespan than their parents for the first time in 200 years.
Access to affordable, healthy food is central to our public health crisis, and this issue is clearly exacerbated by racism and class discrimination.
“The interesting speakers and full house led to a stimulating conversation with community leaders around food access and human rights. We are looking forward to future work with these partners in making space and opportunities for people of color who have been traditionally marginalized in mainstream society to be heard. We are here to serve the needs of our community and this starts first by listening,” said Jenna Chen, of People’s.
Volunteer with Peoples. Go to justfood.org/get-involved/volunteer-internship-opportunities for internship and volunteer opportunities.

CONNECT TO KINDERGARTEN – Atkinson Elementary School, 5800 SE Division St., February 17, 6 pm. Interested families with children entering Kindergarten for both Neighborhood and Spanish Immersion Programs in the 2016 – 2017 school year are welcome to attend. There will be a presentation in Spanish only on February 10 too. Call 503.916.6333 for questions or go online to
pps.k12.or.us/schools/Atkinson

Bridger PTA Hosts Annual Auction

Saturday, March 5, at 5:30 pm
Madeleine School & Parish, 3240 NE 23rd Ave.

Bridger Elementary School PTA auction directly benefits Bridger Elementary School students. Funds provide buses for educational field trips, afterschool classes including choir, basketball, dance, Lego robotics, teacher and classroom supplies, and an additional week of SUN program afterschool classes.
The auction is open to the public and admission is $40 per person, $75 for a pair, and $250 for a table of eight. Admission includes dinner by Bridger parent and professional caterer Michael Fritz of Simply Thyme Catering, one drink, and an opportunity to bid on such fabulous items as an 8’ x 10’ garden shed, a spa weekend at Bonneville Hot Springs, a Bay area getaway package, and artwork created by Bridger students. Visit bridgerpta.schoolauction.net/auction2016 to browse auction items and purchase tickets.
Bridger is a K-8 school celebrating its diverse community, engaging the creative minds of its students and challenging them to achieve their full potential. In the foothills of Mount Tabor’s Montavilla neighborhood, the school offers both a neighborhood and a Spanish-immersion program.
Contact auction chairs Molly Jimenez at 503.254.8322 or mapj68@gmail.com and Amy Neitzel at 503.467.9744 or neitzela@gmail.com.

Caring for our possessions

BY BONITA DAVIS, MASTER RECYCLER AND SUNNYSIDE RESIDENT

Do you own a favorite piece of clothing, furniture or a tool you really love? Maybe it’s a pair of boots, a special chair, or an item of clothing. Our “stuff” can give us pleasure and enjoyment. Taking special care of what we own saves us time and money by prolonging the life of our special things.
Instead of tossing an item at the first sign of wear, why not keep it in good repair? Start out with the best quality and craftsmanship you can afford, then become an expert on repairs.
SE Portland has many repair options. Here are ideas for getting things fixed and in working order.
• Start with a good, durable product. A library card is all you need to gain free access to the latest Consumer Reports Buying Guides. Go to multcolib.org, and search for Consumer Reports’ blog post to research the data base on products you sare considering for purchase.
• A trip to your beloved local hardware can pay-off in the form of expert advice, buying just what you need and maybe the name of a handyman from a resource file.
• The SE Portland Tool Library at septl.org can be a resource for tool sharpening and repair tips. Visit their brand new space at SE 20th and Salmon.
• Take a class and learn a new skill. Portland Community College, (pcc.edu/schedule) has Community non-credit classes covering all kinds of DIY topics and being non-credit, are affordable. Big box home repair stores offer free classes too.
• Need bike repair or maintenance? Check out options at PDOT (Portland Bureau of Transportation) portlandoregon.gov, bikeportland.org or communitycyclingcenter.org.
• YouTube has how to videos to help with everything from building a birdhouse and car repair to learning new computer programs.
Get information from one of our local Fix-It Fairs from the library. Browse multcolib.org/do-it-yourself-diy for a treasure trove of materials on how to fix anything.
SE Portland has Repair Cafés too. Get together with neighbors and local experts at a Repair Café and learn to fix small appliances, bike, toys, or garments. Learn more about this program at repairpdx.org.
Consider volunteering as an expert or go a step further and host an event in your neighborhood.
Rely on the skills and services from local dry cleaners and alteration experts for hems, zippers, stains and more.
Support our local repair experts as close as our nearest jewelry or electronics store, upholstery service, mechanical or furniture repair shop.
Get help from a neighbor or swap skills by using a site such nextdoor.com. Just list what type of help you need or have to offer.

ANNUAL MEETING FRIENDS OF MT. TABOR PARK – Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 15, 7-8:30 pm. It’s the Annual Meeting/Winter Program of Friends of Mt Tabor Park and this year’s featured speaker is Kevin Robinson, director of the Adult Soap Box Derby each summer in Mt. Tabor Park. Robinson has an interesting and lively presentation about the Derby with lots of visuals. Doors open at 6:30 pm at Western Seminary (SE 55th & SE Hawthorne Blvd. in the Chapel). The Annual Meeting begins at 7 pm.

FREE MT. TABOR PARK TREE IDENTIFICATION WALK – Sunday, February 21 at 2 pm. Meet at the Visitor Center in the main parking lot, rain or shine. Bob Rogers leads guests on a walk to identify many species of trees found in the park.

DYSLEXIA 101, Sat, Feb 13, 1 to 2 pm at the Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd, 503.988.5392. Registration required. Dyslexia is invisible and frequently misunderstood, yet it affects up to 20% of the population. The presentation is about this neurobiological learning difference by exploring: early warning signs, causes, treatment and consequences of not providing teacher training or evidence-based instruction for dyslexia in America’s public schools and a discussion of recent Oregon legislation regarding dyslexia.

EIGHTY-FIRST ANNUAL ST. IGNATIUS ITALIAN DINNER – Sunday, February 14 at St. Ignatius Church, Dillon Hall, 3400 SE 43rd Ave. and Powell Blvd. from noon – 6 pm. Adults, $11.50, Seniors, $10, kids under 12, $6, kids under 5 are FREE. Credit cards accepted. 10,000 meatballs! It’s a SE Portland neighborhood tradition, since 1935 featuring: spaghetti, ravioli, homemade meatballs, green salad, Delphina’s Italian Pugliese bread, beverages and dessert. Wine and beer available, too. This is NOT fast food! Between 1,200 and 1,400 people are served. Buy meatballs to take home to your freezer. Reservations for groups: call Diane Welters at 503.774.0744. Questions? Call Patty Frangipani at 503.777.1491, Brian Frangipani, 503.502.2388 or James Ponto, 503.970.1988.

VIKING PANCAKE BREAKFAST – February 14, from 8:30 am to 1 pm at Norse Hall,111 NE 11th Ave. What better way to start off the day than with a plate of delicious, all-you-can-eat pancakes? Breakfast includes sides of scrambled eggs, sausages, fresh fruit, lingonberry jam, orange juice, tea and bottomless cups of coffee – served up with Norwegian charm. Adults: $7; Children 5 to 12 years: $4 and Children under 5 are free. Children’s Nordic Story time in the library at 10 am.

HUGE RUMMAGE SALE at Hinson Church Annex, 1315 SE 20th Ave., February 26, 27 and March 5. Friday 9 am to 6 pm and Saturday 9 am to 4 pm. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit Hinson Missions. Over spring break a trip they take youth to Tijuana Mexico to build houses for the poor.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE. Traditional service of forgiveness. Feb. 10 at 7 pm at the Presbyterian Church of Laurelhurst, 935 NE 33rd Ave, 503.232.9129. Wednesdays, 11 am- Noon, “Gentle Tai Chi for Better Balance & Health”. All ages welcome. Suggested donation $1 – $4. Taught by trained RN.

BUILDING AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT ON YOUR PROPERTY – at the Belmont Library, 1038 César E. Chavez Ave., Sat, Feb 20, 4 pm. Registration required.503.988.5382. Interested in adding separate living quarters to your backyard, garage or basement for your family or a renter? Local expert, Kol Peterson will lead an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Workshop to provide a brief overview of zoning, costs, financing, current events and resources.

PARENTING CLASSES OFFERED BY PARENT SUPPORT CENTER – Parent Support Center, a new member of Prevent Child Abuse Oregon, is beginning its 27th year of providing their Caring Discipline parenting class for parents and teachers.Sign up for one of these five session classes. Generous donors have made scholarships available to those who need financial help. Sign up on the Parent Support Center website: parentsupportcenter.org or 503.796.9665.

PRESCHOOLER’S HONEYBEE HIKES – Wednesdays, 10 – 11 am at Leach Botanical Garden 6704 SE 122nd Ave. beginning February 3. Explore Leach Botanical Garden on a weekly Honeybee Hike especially designed for 2 to 5 year olds. Be sure to dress for the weather because they’ll be outside discovering plants and looking for wildlife before a story or craft-making to take home. Groups with 10+ children & adults must register in advance 503.823.1671. $3/child, non-walkers are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Honeybee Hikes are weekly and continue through mid-December. leachgarden.org.

TABOR VIEW HEALTH AND WELLNESS WORKSHOPS – 6018 SE Stark St. Feb. 13: Living Healthy in 2016 Health Fair at the clinic from 1 – 3 pm followed by a Love your Gut Health Essential Oils class from 3 – 4:30 pm. Feb 27: 3 – 4:30 there will be an Essential Oils 101 class at the clinic. Local businesses that support health in different natural ways at the clinic highlight what they do and offer. Prizes, special deals, food and education. The 2nd Tuesday of each month (Feb 9) from 6:30-8:30 pm is a group created to support loved ones of those with an injured spinal cord. Contact andrea@taborviewhealth.com with questions about any events. 503.808.9145

CITY COUNCIL SESSIONS ON THE 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLANb – The Council has scheduled two more work sessions to discuss the testimony received to date. These are scheduled for 9:30 am on February 2, and February 23 at City Hall Council Chambers 1221 SW 4th Ave. These meetings are open to the public, but no new testimony is being taken. A hearing has been scheduled on April 14, for public testimony on any amendments. Commissioner-requested amendments will be published at least 35 days prior to the hearing. For updates and the latest information, check the project website: portlandoregon.gov/bps/compplan

Community News February 2016

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