Community News October 2018

Nonpartisan information for November elections

Want to know what is going to be on your ballot? Check out Vote411.org with nonpartisan information on candidate and ballot measures that appear on your ballot. Want a paper Voter’s Guide with all Oregon and Multnomah County nonpartisan voter information? They are available in English and Spanish in early October at League of Women Voter Election Forums, at all branches of the Multnomah County Library, Multnomah County Elections Office, New Seasons, college/university and community college campuses, Gresham City Hall, and other locations.

Want to hear directly from candidates and about ballot measures? Attend nonpartisan Election Forums at Multnomah County Board Rm, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Videos will be available on lwvpdx.org a few days later that you can watch from your home. Forums are:

Tuesday, October 2, 7 pm, Portland Commissioner, Position 3, JoAnn Hardesty and Loretta Smith; 7:50 – 8:20 pm, Oregon Ballot Measure 103, Prohibits tax/fees for groceries; 8:30 – 9 pm, Local Ballot Measure 26-201, Portland’s retailer surcharge for clean energy projects.

Tuesday, October 9, 7 – 7:30 pm, in Partnership with City Club of Portland, Multnomah County Auditor, Scott Learn and Jennifer McGuirk; 7:40 – 8:20 pm, Metro Ballot Measure 26-199, Metro affordable housing bonds, and Oregon Ballot Measure 102, Allows local bonds for affordable housing with nongovernmental entities; 8:30 – 9 pm, Oregon Ballot Measure 105, Repeals law limiting state/local enforcement of federal immigration laws.

To arrange a speaker for your organization in October, contact the League office at 503.228.1675 and leave a message or speakers@lwvpdx.org.

Other Election Information online at oregonvotes.org and lwvpdx.org. October 16 is the last day to register to vote. October 17 ballots are mailed to voters. Change of address on existing Oregon Voter Registration can be corrected up to election day.

Metro Auditor report

The Office of the Metro Auditor released its Annual Report for FY 2017-18.

The highlights for the year were: • 85% of audit recommendations were implemented five years after they were made.

  • Progress was made in rebalancing audit coverage among Metro departments.
  • Reports to the Accountability Hotline were resolved in a timely fashion.
  • The Office is finishing an audit of emergency preparedness that will be released next month.
  • Audits of solid waste service equity, ethics, and the research center are scheduled to begin later this fiscal year.
  • Follow-up audits on minority, women and emerging small business contracting, and capital planning are scheduled to begin this year.

The full report is available on the Metro website at oregonmetro.gov/regional-leadership/metro-auditor/about.

A hard copy may be obtained by calling the Office of the Metro Auditor at 503.797.1892.

Searching for a donor

According to medical information, people with one kidney have few or no health problems, and have a normal life expectancy, according to the National Kidney Foundation. If you are living with no kidney function, your highest hope is that someone will share a kidney of theirs.

A Southeast Examiner reader asked that we put a notice in the paper about her need. Monica Sherman’s  kidneys have failed and she needs a transplant in order to live a life free of dialysis. She has been coming to treatment three times a week since April of 2015. A healthy person with Type B or O blood willing to donate one of their kidneys will give Monica a brand new lease one life.

If you are interested and think you might be a match, contact Legacy Kidney Transplant Services to learn more: 403.413.7349 or 503.413.6555.

See legacylivingkidneydonor.org. On Facebook: @monicaneedsakiney

Recycling tip

By Bonita Davis, Master

Recycler and Sunnyside Resident

Recently, I opened a box to remove a new household appliance and there it was: formed Styrofoam.

Not wanting to give it space in my once-a-month garbage roll cart, or storage space in the house, I had to find a way to reuse or recycle it.

Two weeks earlier, I had participated in a group tour of the Agilyx Corporation facility in Tigard as part of the Master Recycler ongoing education program(masterrecycler.org).

I learned that Agilyx has successfully created a process to chemically recycle #6 plastics including Styrofoam or polystyrene, into high-value synthetic oils and chemicals and then back into the basic monomers that can be used to create more polystyrene – a complete recycling process, and it happens right here in the metro area in an environmentally sensitive process.

Most of the polystyrene they process comes from the construction industry and retail businesses, but they provide two, free-to-the community drop boxes on a 24-7 basis. Located at 7904 SW Hunziker St (dropbox off Wall St. beyond the Dog Park), more information can be found on their website at agilyx.com.

Back to my two Styrofoam blocks. It didn’t make sense to travel twenty miles round trip to recycle the material. Inspired by all the new neighbors I met at our Summer National Night-Out BBQ, I decided to do a mini Styrofoam round-up.

After setting a date and time, I knocked on doors and left information on Styrofoam recycling and the pick-up event in an eight block, two street area.

Neighbors had a lot to say about polystyrene; some stopped using it years ago, others talked about Portland’s Styrofoam ban (portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/591797).

Some spoke of use of alternative packing materials such as air pillows, and the impact of polystyrene particles can have on wildlife and the environment if left to scatter on the ground or breaking up in the tides.

Results: About three rollcarts or the back of a station wagon full of white block polystyrene went to Agilyx. The most frequent comments were about relief. The conversation has begun about what type of collection event we might try next.

Seven Corners Grand Opening

The new office building at 20th & SE Division, the Seven Corners Collaborative, had their Grand Opening in September. The celebration began with a ribbon cutting, drinks and hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity to explore all four floors of the new “flatiron” building. These offices contain six like minded non-profits agencies that serve people with disabilities and their families and a gorgeous universally designed kitchen with an amazing view of the City.

The project was spear-headed by Community Vision, founded in 1989 by Joe Wykowski as a way to provide an independent, yet community-connected life for people with disabilities. Over the years they’ve had many successful projects working with Multnomah County renovating foreclosed properties and providing  homeownership and rental opportunities for individuals and their families. In 2014 Multnomah Co. offered them this piece of property that has stood empty for almost twenty years.

Where others saw an engineering nightmare they saw opportunity. The Collaborative was built as an accessible building where clients could experience a one-stop-shop to explore an array of services to help them live a more complete life and function in their community.

The services available at Seven Corners are inclusive:

  • Community Vision is a person-centered support system tailored to the needs of each individual and their family.
  • The Assistive Technology Lab helps the individual in developing six necessary life skills: communication, seating and mobility, learning and vocation, environmental controls, daily living and leisure. This state-of-the-art service helps people navigate through daily routines and teaches them how.
  • Community Pathways is a support services brokerage that helps the individual set a reasonable goal for themselves and helps keep them on track to realize those goals – kind of like high school and college programs.
  • Oregon Council on Development Disabilities advances social and policy change for people with developmental disabilities.
  • FACT Oregon empowers families experiencing disability in their pursuit of a whole life by expanding awareness, growing community and equipping families.
  • Northwest Access Fund provides funding to people with disabilities in Washington and Oregon.
  • Credit builders Alliance helps organizations move people from poverty to prosperity through credit building.

Nossa Familia Coffee is located on the ground floor and has gotten on board making their space accessible to people with disabilities.

Community Vision’s mission is to make Oregon a place where people with disabilities can live, work, and thrive in the communities of their choice.

5K Walk/Run Event for CJD

There will be a 5K walk/run event to raise awareness and money for research into a cure for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), October 13. CJD is a neurodegenerative brain disease. It is rare, difficult to diagnose, quick acting and at this time, always fatal. Initial effects of the disease include loss of muscle coordination, progressing into impaired brain function, paralysis and death; all within the period of just a few months.

This event is co-hosted by family members of two separate victims of CJD.  One of these victims lived locally in SE Portland, Derek Moore. Derek was a Franklin HS graduate, had married, and was working at Wells Fargo. He was an ardent Deftones and Trail Blazers fan, but in 2012 at only age 33, he was afflicted by CJD and passed away in just a few months. Both of the victims’ families and friends hope that such events as this will help fund research for a cure of this terrible disease.

The CJD 5K walk/run event is being held on Saturday, October 13, at the Huston Sports Complex  at Tryon Creek State Park, 10120 SW Boones Ferry Road. Registration begins at 9 am and the walk/run starts at 10 am. There is a suggested donation of $25, and kids come in  free. If you wish to donate but not participate, do so online at prionalliance.org/.

Additional event information can be found at tinyurl.com/yamonnx5.

Trinkets & Treats on Belmont

Trick or treating families can get an early start this Halloween with Trinkets and Treats, a holiday event of the Belmont Area Business Association. Join the event and your business will be mentioned in local publications. Businesses up and down Belmont from 33rd to 47th will be sharing more than candy and alternatives to candy from 4 – 6 pm.

Montavilla South Sewer Repair

Environmental Services is starting construction on the Montavilla South Sewer Repair Project to repair or replace approximately 5,765 feet (over one mile) of deteriorating 90-year-old public sewer pipes in the Montavilla Neighborhood (south of Stark St). These improvements will help protect the public and our environment by reducing the possibility of sewage releases to homes, businesses, and streets.

Construction will have several phases and is anticipated to take up to 10 months to complete. It is anticipated to begin in October. Work hours are 7 am to 6 pm, Monday-Friday.

Prior to construction, there will be activity in the neighborhood. Crews will be in the area to videotape, inspect, and clean sewer lines, mark utility locations on the street and sidewalks, trim trees, install tree protection and install erosion control measures. Equipment and supplies may be moved into the area.

The city’s goal is to keep businesses and residents informed before and during construction. The latest project information is available through several ways:  Mailings – Project updates will be mailed periodically during project construction.  Website – The latest construction schedule and project updates will be posted at portlandoregon.gov/bes/MontavillaS.  Email Updates – Sign up for email updates on the webpage or email: Stefanus.Gunawan@portlandoregon.gov with “Montavilla South” in subject line

Learn About Sewer Construction Methods: portlandoregon.gov/bes/methods

63RD ANNUAL ALL SAINTS HOLIDAY BAZAAR – Saturday November 3,  9 am-4 pm. Forty plus local artisans and crafters showcasing amazing handmade goods for that perfect gift for the holidays. The Treasure Table is brimming with antiques and collectibles. The Children-Only shopping room helps little ones to find special presents for friends and family.  Homemade baked goods for sale and the Café is open all day. Buy a $1 raffle ticket to win wonderful prizes. Contact the parish office for information-need not be present to win. There’s something for everyone! 3847 NE Glisan St. 503.232.4305. allsaintsportland.org

22 DAY VEG CHALLENGE KICKOFF – Meal Planning with Emily Forbes on October 27 from 2 – 4 pm at People’s Food Co-op, 3029 SE 21st Ave. Do you get frustrated over what to eat? It’s a lot easier to stick to your commitments when you make a plan. Learn how to create a meal plan the vegan way. Emily’s mission is to empower you to make healthy choices and feel confident in the kitchen. She offers a number of services including nutrition coaching, cooking classes, and meal planning and show you how to create a workable meal plan to fit your schedule, budget, nutritional needs, and include foods you already like or that you think you’d like to try. She will demonstrate how to prepare the key components of your new plan. Event is free but reserve your space at nwveg.org/22-day-challenge.

PORTLAND SINGS! Community sing, Sunday October 21 from 2:30 – 4:30 pm . A reminder that we are in a new location; Artichoke Music, 2007 SE Powell Blvd. The new space is wonderful. Sliding scale $8 – $15. For more info PortlandSings.com

VIKING PANCAKE BREAKFAST,  OCTOBER 21. Start your day with delicious all-you-can-eat Viking pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, strawberry compote, lingonberries, orange juice and coffee or tea served in the charming Bergen Dining Room at Norse Hall, 111 NE 11th Ave.  8:30 am to 12:30 pm.  Adults $8, Children ages 5-12 $4. Children under age 5 are free. Parking is free.

ANNUAL PROVIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING – Providence Portland Medical Center hosts an annual meeting for residents of Laurelhurst and North Tabor neighborhoods 7 pm, Wednesday, October. 24, in the Cancer Institute Amphitheater at Providence Medical Center. Portland Medical Center, Laurelhurst Neighborhood Association and North Tabor Neighborhood Association have had a Good Neighbor Agreement for more than 15 years, and one of the benefits of the agreement is an annual meeting for updates. The agenda this year isan overview of hospitals services and programs. The hospital is located at 4805 NE Glisan St.

WEATHERIZATION WORKSHOP – Free workshop where participants learn how to stop drafts in their home, especially around doors and windows to save energy and increase comfort. It’s great for renters too. Qualified participants receive a free kit of weatherization supplies. Register for the workshop at communityenergyproject.org or call 503.284.6827 x108. In SE Portland: Tuesday, October 16, 6-8 pm, Community Energy Project 2900 SE Stark St, Suite A; Thurs., Oct. 18, 5:30 – 7:30 pm SEPTL SE Portland Tool Library, 1137 SE 20th Ave.; Thurs., Oct. 25, 6:30 – 8:30 pm East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave.

LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WORKSHOP – Learn how to prevent lead exposure in your home at this free workshop. Great for households with children or pregnant women in housing older than 1978, or those concerned about lead exposure. Qualified participants receive a free kit of safety and testing supplies!  Register for the workshop at communityenergyproject.org or call 503.284.6827×109. In SE: Wednesday, October 3, 6:30 – 8 pm and Wednesday, October 17, 6:30 – 8 pm, Community Energy Project, 2900 SE Stark St. A.

CITIZEN JANE: BATTLE FOR THE CITY – Friday, October 19 at 7 pm, this acclaimed film, will be shown at the NW Neighborhood Cultural Center, 1819 NW Everett St. The urban champion Jane Jacobs had a special relationship with the City of Portland over its evolution as diverse place of mixed uses and walkable neighborhoods. Jacobs championed lively, diverse neighborhoods, and citizen activism to preserve urban communities in the face of destructive development projects. Arguably no one did more to shape our understanding of the modern American city than this visionary activist. The film is free of charge and will be followed by a panel of long-time neighborhood activists discussing Portland’s current housing situation. Citizen Jane is a timely tale of what can happen when engaged citizens fight power for the sake of better cities.

HAWTHORNE GARDENS SPOOKTACULAR – Wednesday, October 31, 6 pm. Bring your children for trick or treating, refreshments, kid’s haunted house, games and activities, bean bag toss, coloring corner and vintage cartoons to Hawthorne Gardens Senior Living, 2828 SE Taylor St. 971.222.0396.

ATTENTION OLDER ADULT HOMEOWNERS! – Attend a free, informative presentation on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs/Granny Flats) as solutions for rising costs of living and longer lifespans.Topics of discussion: overview of the issue, challenges and benefits; considerations for modifying your home; building an ADU. The discussion includes financial incentives; costs and return on investment and rental rates for ADU and/or existing house. Presenters include Doug Chambers of Golden Bungalow, Inc., Nancy Dong Certified Aging in Place Consultant, and Kim Dodge,Mortgage Consultant with Nextview Mortgage (NMLS#1502324/1169). This event takes place at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Ave, Lake Oswego, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 10 am  – 11:30 am. RSVP 971.207.2806 as seating is limited.

BUSINESS BEAT– PRIME PAINTING, LLC, is owned by Portland native and SE resident Jon Fell, who has over twenty years of industry experience.  Fell’s business serves the greater Portland metro area, specializing in residential interior and exterior projects, as well as commercial ones. Call 503.381.1927 for an estimate. See primepainting.us for more.

 

 

Community News October 2018

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