7.5 billion and counting
With Earth’s population set to reach 7.5 billion this year, now is the time to join in the conversation to make global population growth, a mainstream issue.
The impact of the population with its overarching connections to the environment and human health worldwide are an important consideration.
The local non-profit Investments for Developing Communities (IDC) hosts two speakers well-versed in the current field of population advocacy, education and project work, Thursday April 13, from 6 – 8 pm at the Ecotrust Building, Billy Frank Jr. Conference Center, 721 NW 9th Ave #200.
Speakers are John Seager, president of Population Connection in Washington DC, and Suzanne York, project director of Transition Earth, of the Earth Island Institute in Berkeley, CA.
The public is invited to bring questions, join in the conversation, and learn more about opportunities to get involved.
Tickets: $20 in advance/$25 at the door/$12 with Student ID Registration and tickets at idcempowers.org/events.html or by calling 971.400.2181.
Earth Day 2017
By Bonita Davis, Master Recycler and Sunnyside resident
Earth Day, celebrated April 22, is now the largest secular observance in the world. The environmental awareness celebration both honors the earth and seeks to promote efforts to protect the planet through changing behaviors and policies.
For many, the iconic Big Blue Marble image of earth photographed from outer space that graced the cover of Stuart Brand’s Whole Earth Catalogue (1968-72) is the symbol of the environmental movement. Until this publication, the public had not seen Earth from the captivating perspective captured on film by an Apollo 17.
Reverberating to the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962 that linked pesticide use to consequences for wildlife and the environment, there was growing concern by the American public. The 1968 oil spill in Santa Barbara, smog blanketing urban areas, polluted waterways, leaded gasoline and the loss of wilderness and wildlife all sounded an alarm that led to the first Earth Day in 1970.
Spearheaded by Gaylord Nelson, a US Senator from Wisconsin, a bipartisan effort created the EPA, Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.
The universal recycling symbol emerged around the same time, the result of a contest offered by the Container Corporation of America, to clarify the contents of their products. Designed by a USC student, the emblem is not trademarked though often modified, and continues to provide guidelines for managing materials.
The symbol identifies recycled content, and contains the identification number for resins (plastics) inside the symbol. It also orders priority in handling our consumable materials. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle are actually in order by impact. In this hierarchy, we can save on resources and energy by:
Reducing what we consume: Buying bulk, and items with less packaging, use durable goods and look for products that are well-made and will last. Reuse: Use refillable water bottles and coffee mugs, avoid one-time use, throwaway products, and buy items made of recycled materials. Recycle: Maximize curbside recycling, return materials for deposit, and use other types of collection sites for hazardous materials. Information at oregonmetro.gov/tools-living.
In the spirit of Earth Day, join thousands who volunteer to help keep Portland livable. Volunteer an hour or commit to more, go alone, involve the family or join a group. Thousands of opportunities can be found at: handsonportand.org and solve.org. Support your environmental groups. Go to eco-usa.net/orgs/or.shtml for information on local groups.
One more thing: VOTE.
3RD ANNUAL OLD HOUSE REVIVAL TOUR
The 3rd annual Old ouse Revival Tour is April 15, from 10 am – 4 pm Architectural Heritage Center, 701 SE Grand Ave., info@visitahc.org, visitahc.org. Three Richmond homes will be on the citywide house tour this month.
Grieg Lodge turns 107
Grieg Lodge #2-15, Sons of Norway, will celebrate its 107th birthday on Sunday, April 9 at Norse Hall, 111 NE 11th Ave.
The 2017 Birthday Brunch is served from 8:30 am to 1 pm. The menu includes ham and asparagus strata, augratin potatoes, riskrem and bløtkake (Norwegian birthday cake) in addition to the popular Viking Pancake Breakfast menu of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and fruit.
Tickets may be purchased through Kathy Gasperson at 503.235.3643 and are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Ages 5-12 are $5; children under 5 are free. Seating is limited so purchase tickets in advance.
Stand for Science
Join the League of Women Voters of Portland on Monday, April 17, at 7 pm at the Multnomah County building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd. for a program on science and politics: Stand for Science.
Following World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt commissioned a report on developing national policy on science.
The report, Science, The Endless Frontier: A Report to the President by Vannevar Bush, Director of the Office of Scientific Research and Development, July 1945 begins with this introduction:
“Scientific Progress Is Essential. Progress in the war against disease depends upon a flow of new scientific knowledge. New products, new industries, and more jobs require continuous additions to knowledge of the laws of nature, and the application of that knowledge to practical purposes. This essential, new knowledge can be obtained only through basic scientific research.”
Today, the scientific community is concerned that science is being denied and taking a back seat both in outreach and funding.
Members of the science community have announced a March for Science on Earth Day, April 22. In preparation for this march, the League of Women Voters Civic Education program on April 17 looks at the role of science.
The program will have three panelists sharing their expertise on the structure of science, current scientific issues and the politics of science.
Friends of MLC used book sale
April 21-24, 2017
Join the Friends of the Multnomah County Library at the annual Spring Used Book Sale, now located at the Lloyd Center DoubleTree Hotel Exhibit Hall, 1000 NE Multnomah St.
- Friday, April 21, 6 –9 pm, Members Only Pre-Sale + Collectors Corner
- Saturday, April 22, 9 am – 9 pm + Literary Trivia Contest 6pm-9pm (with no host bar) + Collectors Corner
- Sunday, April 23, 11 am – 5 pm – NEW! Educators get 50% off with school ID
- Monday, April 24, 9 am – 3 pm – 50% off discount day
The Friends’ Spring Used Book Sale boasts tens of thousands of items at great prices. Hardcover and quality trade paperbacks start at $2, mass market paperbacks and children’s books at 50 cents and $1, CDs at $1, and DVDs at $2. Also available are comic books, audio books, LPs, video games, pamphlets, sheet music, and maps – all sorted and in excellent condition.
Proceeds from the sale benefit the Multnomah County Library.
For more information or to become a Friends of the Library member, visit friendslibrary.org or call 503-.224.-9176.
Providence expands care for women
Women on Portland’s east side have a new option for OB/GYN care. Providence Women’s Clinic is now open on the campus of Providence Portland Medical Center at 5050 NE Hoyt St., Suite 523.
The other eastside facility is at 2705 E. Burnside St., Suite 114. They provide comprehensive, lifetime care for women, including gynecology, pregnancy, labor and birth, minimally invasive surgery and menopausal care.
“Our goal is to care for women through all life stages,” says Judy Marvin, M.D., senior medical director, women’s specialty practices. “This new location enables us to care for women closer to their homes.”
Providence Health & Services in Oregon offers a comprehensive array of health and education services through its eight hospitals, medical clinics, health plans, long-term care facilities and home health services. See providence.org/oregon.
Shake Rattle & Roll: Are You & Your Home Ready for the Mega Quake?
A mighty big earthquake is predicted for the Pacific Northwest’s future. Have you ever wondered:
Why is the geology of Oregon so unique for a catastrophic earthquake?
Will my home stand up to the effects of an earthquake and what can I do to make it more earthquake resilient?
Will my home insurance provide coverage for a loss due an earthquake?
Get answers to all of the above and ask your own questions and more at the Atkinson Elementary School Earthquake Preparedness Committee’s Shake, Rattle, & Roll. The event is Wednesday, April 19 from 6 to 8:30 pm and the school is at 5800 SE Division St.
The presentation features the following speakers:
- Scott Burns, Professor of Geology at Portland State University, the guy who’s on every local newscast following an earthquake. Burns will provide you with a crash course of Oregon Geology 101 and explain the complex geology that makes up the place we call home.
- Steve Gemmell, owner of Earthquake Tech, will go over the fundamentals of seismic retrofitting and how to identify what your house needs to ride the Really Big One.
- Mark Strauss, an Independent Insurance Broker, will discuss risk and what earthquake insurance options are available for homeowners.
There is a suggested donation of $5. All donations will go towards the cost of purchasing emergency supplies for Atkinson Elementary School.
Oregon Humane Society events
Oregon Humane Society participates in community events each month. Stop by to chat with knowledgeable OHS volunteers, learn more about OHS programs, and meet great animals looking for a loving home. Call 503.416.5026 for more info.
April 1 Shop & Adopt at Furever Pets, 1902 NE Broadway St, from 11 am to 2 pm; April 25, Puppy Petting Party at Owen Jones, 408 NW 5th Ave, from 4 pm to 7 pm.
April 13 Cause an Effect with Chipotle – Make eating a selfless act by joining Chipotle ‘s fundraiser to support the Humane Society. Come into any Oregon or SW Washington Chipotle on April 13 from 11 am to 10 pm. Mention the fundraiser and 50% of proceeds will be donated to OHS.
The OHS is the Northwest’s oldest and largest humane society. OHS relies on donations to support its adoption, education, and animal cruelty investigation programs.
Visit oregonhumane.org for more information.
Portland’s Urban Heat Island
Let’s Talk Climate will host its next forum, Portland’s Urban Heat Islands: Unequal Impacts, Tuesday, April 18, 7 pm, at TaborSpace, 5441 SE Belmont St.
Heat islands reflect areas where temperatures are unusually hot over a prolonged period. As climate change warms the planet, cities are warming at a faster pace due to dark, heat- absorbing roads and roofs.
Though Portland is relatively “cool” compared to other U.S. cities, it has become a significant urban heat island, showing climate effects distinct from surrounding fields and forests.
Such heat impacts tend to fall disproportionately on vulnerable populations such as the elderly, the low income, and communities of color. People in these neighborhoods are less likely to have large shade trees, or air conditioning, and more likely to suffer from asthma and other air quality health problems.
Climate equity is a key concern in the city’s 2015 Climate Action Plan, with recommendations for neighborhood-level action to address climate impacts on human health.
How can the City of Portland proactively address these climate inequities? This forum features recent research on Portland’s high heat zones and high stress neighborhoods, with suggestions for new approaches to building neighborhood resilience.
Speakers include: Dr. Vivek Shandas, Research Director, PSU Institute for Sustainable Solutions; Eric Hesse, Strategic Planning Coordinator, TriMet; Jim Labbe, urban tree canopy advisor; and others yet to be confirmed.
The event is free and open to the public with donations gratefully accepted to help defray expenses.
Attendees are asked to sign up at urbanheatisland.eventbrite.com. Carpooling recommended, bike and car parking available, Trimet bus 15.
See letstalkclimatepdx.org or send an email to contact@letstalkclimatepdx.org for more info
Safe Routes to School Open House
Through the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Fixing Our Streets program, Safe Routes to School is expecting to make a large investment in safety improvements around schools in the next few years. This spring they’re asking families to help figure out what is needed most in each high school cluster.
The Safe Routes to School program open house events for SE local clusters are Cleveland, Tuesday, April 4 from 6 to 8 pm at Hosford Middle School, 2303 SE 28th Pl.; and Madison, Wednesday, April 12 from 6 – 8 pm at Scott School, 6700 NE Prescott.
Portland Public Schools shares information about their SafeRoutesPDX.org app that lets families share their safety concerns online. T
he organization Oregon Walks invites families to join their upcoming community walks. Visit oregonwalks.org to see the schedule.
HOUSE OF DREAMS CAT SHELTER ANNUAL PLANT AND VEGAN BAKE SALE – Sat, April 15, 10 am – 3 pm, 7634 SE Morrison. Indoor/outdoor plants, pots, garden art, tools and vegan baked goodies! Great selection and prices. All proceeds benefit our no-kill, free roam,all volunteer cat shelter in NE Portland. 503.262.0763 / kittydreams.org.
28TH ANNUAL TULIP SALE to benefit the Oregon Symphony, April 13-14, from 9 am – 6 pm, at 5631 SE Madison in Mt. Tabor. $6 per bunch of 10 stems. Presented by the Friends of the Oregon Symphony and The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. For information contact Sylvia, 503.231.0130.
ANOTHER READ THROUGH – 3 Free Seminars for Beginning Authors conducted by writer Caroline Miller at 3932 N. Mississippi Ave. from 3 – 4 pm. April 15: Starting out – Getting ideas down, revising editors , types, costs, will a friend do? May 20: Do you need an agent? small and large presses, self-publishing; June 17: What’s in a publishing contract? Preregistration required: elisa@anotherreadthrough.com
THE FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL PTSA ANNUAL PLANT SALE is Saturday April 15, at 1341 SE 55th Ave, from 9 am to 3 pm. Proceeds benefit Franklin High School students and faculty through the Parent Teacher Student Association. A variety of perennials, annuals and early-season vegie starts will be available. Donations of plants and yard art are happily accepted. Contact Maye Thompson at 503.232.6167 or mayedoug@spiritone.com to arrange drop-off or pick-up.
LOCAL BOY SCOUT TROOP 143 – Pancake breakfast fundraiser to cover costs for 2017 summer camp. April 22, 8 am – 12 pm at the Milwaukie Elks Lodge, 13121 SE McLoughlin Blvd. Adults $10, children under age 11 & seniors $5 and families $40. Everyone is welcome. The troop meets at the Milwaukie Elks lodge and many of the boys are from SE Portland.
COLLEGE NIGHT AT CLEVELAND – The Cleveland College & Career Center hosts its fifth annual College Night for students and families on Tuesday, April 25 beginning at 7 pm in the Cleveland High School auditorium. The program begins with a panel of current Cleveland seniors discussing their college search and selection process, followed by several breakout session choices. The sessions include: Inside the Admissions Office, Crafting the College Application Essay, Financial Planning for College, Financial Aid Basics, Considerations for Applying to Selective Colleges, Public Universities In-State and Out, and Community College Options.
TABOR HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, April 23, at 11 am, 6161 SE Stark St. Once upon a time, way back in 1964, three congregations had a vision of joining together and building a new church. Out of this vision came Tabor Heights. They are looking back on that vision and the legacy that survives today where families have been raised, new friends made, and life has been celebrated in good and difficult times. On Sunday, April 23, they celebrate the past and look ahead and everyone is invited to the celebration.
LIBRARY FUTURE – Share your thoughts April 4 and 5 on the long term planning effort addressing cramped spaces, community access and etc. Multnomah County Library is the oldest library system in the western US, one of the busiest in the nation and the smallest of comparable libraries without broad access to adequate public meeting space; quiet rooms; or dedicated homework and learning / performance spaces. April 4 and 5, the library will present a draft framework of a long-term space plan for public feedback. Tuesday, April 4, 6:30 – 8 pm, North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth St.; Wednesday, April 5, 6:30 – 8 pm, Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave.
ARBOR DAY 2017: A FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL ON EARTH DAY – Saturday, April 22 from 10 am – 3 pm at Mt Scott Park in SE Portland. See portlandoregon.gov/parks/arbor. Arbor Day 2017 is a free, multicultural festival for all ages, Enjoy food from local vendors and activities for the whole family underneath towering Douglas fir trees. Commissioner Amanda Fritz and PP&R Director Mike Abbat will welcome guests with brief remarks. Enjoy musical performances all afternoon. Fun, food and festivity.
THE ART OF THE BRICK ON VIEW AT OREGON MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY (OMSI)1945 SE Water Ave. through May 29 – The Art of the Brick is a exhibition of intriguing works of art made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world, the LEGO brick. This collection of creative and inspiring pieces constructed using only LEGO is created by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. The groundbreaking, 12,000 square-foot exhibitwill feature a specially-designed LEGO and DUPLO play area, along with a variety of hands-on activities, demonstrations and challenges. Call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu.
RESIDENTIAL PERMIT NIGHT RETURNS TO THE CITY’S DEVELOPMENT SERVICES CENTER – The Bureau of Development Services (BDS) hosts a Residential Permit Night for 1 & 2 Family Dwellings in the Development Services Center (DSC). Beginning April 6, the DSC will be open Thursday nights from 5 – 7:30 pm to help homeowners and tenants with residential family dwelling projects. The DSC is located at 1900 SW Fourth Avenue on the first floor. City staff will be available to answer general questions about permitting and land use processes, help homeowners and tenants understand what plans and documents will be required for review, and identify the necessary permits and inspections for a successful project.
SOLVE IT FOR EARTH DAY! Join SOLVE and thousands of volunteers on April 1, 10 am – 1 pm as they clean up litter and marine debris from the Oregon coast! Since 1986, this home-grown tradition of twice-yearly beach cleanups has benefited people and wildlife alike, supporting clean seas and healthy beaches for present and future generations. See solveoregon.org/what-we-do/solve-spring-oregon-beach-cleanup
