Community

Traffic 'Near Capacity' On The NE 181st Ave Corridor. City 'Signals' Relief Is On The Way!

Ask any rush hour commuter traveling NE 181st Ave in Gresham and they will tell you, traffic congestion between Interstate 84 and NE Halsey St is miserable. In fact at times, it's just downright unbearable!

Over the past few years the increased population and business growth in west Gresham has outpaced the ability of the NE 181st Ave corridor to efficiently handle the additional traffic between the I-84 freeway ramps and the Powell Butte area.

Frustrated commuters rejoice, change is coming!

The City of Gresham Dept of Public Affairs has announced a plan to reduce traffic congestion on NE 181st Ave between NE Sandy Blvd and NE Halsey St. The proposed changes are scheduled to begin spring 2009, and be completed before summer. Changes include installing new state-of-the-art computer-controlled traffic signals, prohibiting southbound U-turn's at NE San Rafael St, eliminating a crosswalk across NE 181st Ave, plus several other changes in hope of improving the flow of traffic along this particularly busy section of the NE 181st Ave corridor.

A public meeting on the proposed changes will likely be held in early to mid-September according to Jill Bradley with the City of Gresham Dept of Public Affairs.

A "Must See" Event! East Multnomah County Commissioner #4 Candidates Debate, Diane McKeel vs Carla Piluso Sept 18, 2008 7:30PM St Aidan's Church

When: Thursday, Sept 18 2008 7:30PM - 9:00PM
Where: St. Aidan's Episcopal Church
Murdock Hall
17405 NE Glisan St
Gresham, Oregon

Substantial off-street parking available

Debate starts promptly at 7:30PM

No admission charge!

Sponsored by the Rockwood Neighborhood Association, Roger Meyer, President; phone (503) 666-2776, email rogernmeyer@earthlink.net.

All Gresham Neighborhood Association residents are invited to attend a lively 90 minute debate between Diane McKeel and Carla Piluso, candidates for County Commissioner District 4. Preference to be given to audience questions from members of West Gresham's Neighborhood Association members from Rockwood, North Gresham, North Central, and Wilkes-East.

Youth volunteer helps seperate bulky waste for disposal while Event coordinator Brian Heerwagen breaks down larger items

2008 Wilkes East Neighborhood Clean-Up a Huge Success! With the peak of summer came this year's Wilkes East Neighborhood Clean-Up. For the past 3 years, Wilkes East residents have enjoyed the convenient disposal of unwanted trash and yard debris at the annual July fund-raiser sponsored by the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association.

Residents lined-up early for the three hour event held Saturday July 26th from 9AM to Noon in the east parking lot at HB Lee Middle School. Staffed by a dozen volunteers this year's clean-up served 48 families, and filled two industrial sized (40 cubic yard) dumpsters to capacity! One dumpster was dedicated to Yard Debris and Wood Waste, the other dumpster was dedicated to Bulky Waste (trash).

Volunteers directed traffic, helped clean-up participants with their drop-offs, and seperated the debris for disposal. Home pick-up was also available this year for bulky items and to those neighbors without transportation. Many neighbors expressed their appreciation, thanking the volunteers, and stating how much they look forward to the annual event. Disposed items included yard debris, furniture, beds, bbqs, carpet, garage trash, remodeling debris, lots of junk, windows and doors, even an old wooden boat!

Dump Your Junk! Saturday July 26th, 2008 Wilkes East Neighborhood Clean-Up!

When: Sat July 26, 2008 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Where: HB Lee Middle School
1121 NE 172nd Ave
(between NE Glisan & NE Halsey. Click here for a map!)
Cost: $15.00 per household

"Spring Clean-Up" usually means you discover a lot of things you wish you could take to the dump! Well, now you don't have to take your junk very far! The dumpsters are coming to you!

What you CAN dispose of:
• Yard debris, garbage, wood scraps, and general "clean-up" items

What you CANNOT dispose of:
• Hazardous waste, chemicals, paint cans, appliances, tires

This event is open to all Wilkes East Neighborhood residents. Click here for a neighborhood map!

You can bring all your general debris to the dumpsters located in the parking lot at HB Lee Middle School, 1121 NE 172nd Ave (between NE Glisan & NE Halsey), Saturday July 26th from 9AM to Noon.

Come for ice cream and a chance to get to know your neighbors!

You're invited! House District 49 candidates Kahl(D) and Nelsen(R) square off for a lively forum July 23

When: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 11:30AM - 1:00PM
Where: Heidi's Restaurant
1230 NE Cleveland Ave
Gresham, OR

Please join us on July 23rd as the candidates for House District 49, Democrat Nick Kahl and Republican John Nelsen square off at the Governmental Affairs Forum.

One of the two will soon be representing the constituents of House District 49. Which candidate deserves the vote? You decide as we 'Meet the Candidates.'

Democrat Nick Kahl and Republican John Nelson square off at the July 23rd Governmental Affairs Forum. Only one will prevail in the up coming election so now is the time to ask the tough questions. Who is most qualified serve? Who has the experience and who has the vision? Where do the candidates stand on the issues affecting you and what are their top priorities? Who deserves your vote in November?

Boys and Girls Age 6-17 "Character For Live" Basketball Camp

Fun for All!

When: July 28-31, 2008 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Where: Columbia View Church
16700 NE Halsey St

This camp is open to all boys and girls ages 6-17.

Click here to download your registration form!

We turn our parking lot into a safe environment to teach basketball skills and to help each child learn more about Jesus and His character.

Each evening, your child will learn the fundamentals of basketball, have a delicious snack, and hear simple gospel of Jesus

Share Your Opinions: July 28 & 30, 2008 Mediation Focus Group participants needed!

When & Where

We hope you can attend one of the following focus groups:

• Opportunity #1

  When: Monday July 28, 2008 6:30PM -7:45PM
  Where: Gresham Library
  385 NW Miller

• Opportunity #2

  When: Wednesday July 30, 2008 6:30PM - 8:00PM
  Where: Gresham City Hall
  1333 NW Eastman Parkway

We Need You

Participants are needed for two informal focus groups looking at the public's awareness of mediation and conflict resolution. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. Participants will be part of a facilitated conversation to express their thoughts and opinions.

East Metro Mediation and the Oregon Mediation Association are hosting the focus groups as part of a pilot project to determine outreach efforts in the Fairview-Gresham-Troutdale area. The information learned through the project will be used by counties throughout the state of Oregon.

Share Your Opinions: July 28th & 30th... Mediation Focus Group participants needed!

When & Where

We hope you can attend one of the following focus groups:

• Opportunity #1

  When: Monday July 28, 2008 6:30PM -7:45PM
  Where: Gresham Library
  385 NW Miller

• Opportunity #2

  When: Wednesday July 30, 2008 6:30PM - 8:00PM
  Where: Gresham City Hall
  1333 NW Eastman Parkway

We Need You

Participants are needed for two informal focus groups looking at the public's awareness of mediation and conflict resolution. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. Participants will be part of a facilitated conversation to express their thoughts and opinions.

East Metro Mediation and the Oregon Mediation Association are hosting the focus groups as part of a pilot project to determine outreach efforts in the Fairview-Gresham-Troutdale area. The information learned through the project will be used by counties throughout the state of Oregon.

The next time you're in search of a good meal, your favorite adult beverage, or Lottery entertainment check-out the The Red Apple Bar and Grill located at 16126 NE Sandy Blvd for a unique neighborhood experience. The friendly atmosphere, attentive staff, and smoke-free policy makes this a pleasing adventure.

Expect root veggies, assorted greens and plants starts now... the next few months bring more produce and more markets!

(excepted from the Oregonian 'FOODday' Apr 1, 2008)

Although it brings showers for May flowers, April also brings farmers markets - and lots of them. Starting Thursday April 3, 2008, parking lots and parks around Portland and the surrounding communities will bustle wth tent poles, tarps and metal cash boxes as area farmers present their fare to resident cooks.

Local Area Farmers Markets

• Fairview Farmers and Artists Market
• Gresham Farmers Market
• Parkrose Farmers Market
• Portland Farmers Market at PSU
• Troutdale Farmers and Artists Market

You'll find plenty of root vegitables, braising greens and lettuces, and of course plant starts for your own vegetable garden.