Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area, timed to correspond with our regular meetings.
Got a story to share?
Wilkes East residents are encouraged to submit articles for the newsletter. Articles should be limited to 300 words and may be subject to editing. Send articles by email to: info@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: PO Box 536 • Fairview, OR 97024.
It is present in nearly all soil and rock; you can't see, smell or taste it - but it's there.
Radon forms when uranium breaks down to radium, which in turn breaks down to form radon. As radon decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that are inhaled. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking -- and the number one reason why non-smokers die of lung cancer. It's estimated to be responsible for over 21,000 deaths annually in the United States.
Radon enters a home through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings. Once inside, radon can become trapped and build up to unsafe levels, especially in areas below ground-level. Nationwide it's estimated that 1 in every 15 homes has elevated radon levels. In the Portland / Vancouver area that number can skyrocket to 1 in 4 homes.
Neighborhood Connections is a publication from the City of Gresham
Communications & Community Outreach offering City of Gresham news, Public Safety information, Community Activities & Events, Training & Workshops, Volunteer Opportunities, and more.
Friday, January 20, 2012
By James Mayer, The Oregonian
Former Gresham Councilor Richard Strathern says he is likely to launch a petition drive to get his charter reform ideas before voters.
The Charter Review Committee, which has been meeting since October, has not taken any formal votes — that’s scheduled for Feb. 2 (Info below) (UPDATED:Gresham council struggles with vacancy charter language. Feb 8, 2012) — but it seems clear the panel will recommend only minor tweaks to the charter, rejecting the kind of major changes advocated by Strathern.
The former councilor, who did not run for re-election in 2010 after serving one term, is seeking to increase the power of the mayor.
“I think we are all very aware of the financial position the city is in, and the country is in, and now may not be the time to rock the boat,” said Joan Armstrong, a retired accountant who serves as chairwoman of the committee. “I think most of the citizens are more concerned about matters much closer to home life and work life than about trying to remake the world.”
But Strathern says the current form of government, with a city council to set policy and a professional manager to run the day-to-day operations, tends to do the bidding of influential businesses and developers.
“It took me four years to figure out how powerless the council and mayor were,” he said. “I’d get all fired up about something, and then nothing would happen. We clearly don’t really have the authority.”
When: Mon Feb 6, 2012 Show Times: 7:00PM and 8:15PM Where: Mt Hood Community College
Planetarium Sky Theater
26000 SE Stark St
Gresham, OR Get Map!
Admission $2. MHCC students are admitted free. The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.
Supernovae: The Spectacular Deaths of Big Stars
Last September, scientists discovered one of the closest supernovae that had been observed in decades in an area called the Pinwheel Galaxy. Just what is a supernova and how powerful can it be? Find out the answers to these questions when Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) presents “Supernovae: The Spectacular Deaths of Big Stars!” The show will be presented live on Monday, Feb. 6, at 7 and 8:15 p.m. in the College’s Planetarium Sky Theater.
“This will be an opportunity to learn about historical supernovae, how they were formed and see some great photos,” says Pat Hanrahan, Planetarium director.“During the show, we will use a star projector to see where these supernovae were discovered and also discuss highlights of the current night sky.”
All shows are presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images.
Visitors are encouraged to ask questions during each 45-minute program. Children are welcome to attend.
Parking Changes
Parking permits are required and may be purchased for $3 at ticket kiosks located by the flagpoles and gym. (Violators will be ticketed and/or towed)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
By James Mayer, The Oregonian Source article
The next Reynolds School District superintendent should respect teachers, be a knowledgeable educator and, most important, not already be working for the district.
That was the message delivered Tuesday afternoon by about two dozen teachers who spoke anonymously to the consultants hired to conduct the superintendent search.
"I am begging you, don't hire anyone in the district," one teacher said.
Reynolds School District has been in turmoil for several years, and the next superintendent will be the fourth in less than 10 years. The district and its teachers have been locked in a bitter contract battle since May (2011).
Neighborhood Connections is a publication from the City of Gresham
Communications & Community Outreach offering City of Gresham news, Public Safety information, Community Activities & Events, Training & Workshops, Volunteer Opportunities, and more.
Early Tuesday afternoon January 17, 2012 an HB Lee Middle School student reported being accosted by an unknown person while walking home from school through Columbia View Park. Get Map.
Fortunately, the student was able to return to the school and report the incident to school personnel.
The City of Gresham Police Department is investigating the matter. If you have any information about the incident please contact Gresham Police at (503) 823-3333.
When: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 4-6PM Where: Community Room
Human Solutions - Rockwood Building
124 NE 181
Gresham, OR Get Map!
Free Behavioral Support Group
The Talk it Over support groups are for parents, caregivers, and siblings of a child or teen with a serious behavioral disorder, and is a free public service of Trillium Family Services. This new group will be more accessible to families in East Multnomah and Clackamas Counties and more convenient to public transportation.
Groups meet twice monthly on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday from 4PM-6PM in the Community Room at the new Human Solutions Rockwood building located at 124 NE 181st, Gresham, Oregon (one block north of E Burnside MAX Blue Line Station).
When: Mon Jan 9, 2012 Show Times: 7:00PM and 8:15PM Where: Mt Hood Community College
Planetarium Sky Theater
26000 SE Stark St
Gresham, OR Get Map!
Admission $2. MHCC students are admitted free. The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.
What will 2012 bring for viewing the night sky?
Learn about special astronomical events of the coming year including projected solar activity, the transit of Venus, the 2012 opposition of Mars, several planet conjunctions, current space missions, eclipses and the hype of the movie “2012.” As a part of the show, Pat Hanrahan, planetarium director, will use the college’s star projector to show highlights of the current night sky.
All shows are presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images.
Visitors are encouraged to ask questions during each 45-minute program. Children are welcome to attend.
Parking Changes
Parking permits are required and may be purchased for $3 at ticket kiosks located by the flagpoles and gym. (Violators will be ticketed and/or towed)
Thank You!
Wilkes East Neighborhood would like express our gratitude to the following for their generous contributions & continued support:
• Jazzy Bagels, Main St & Powell
• Parkrose Hardware, 106th & Sandy
• Growers Outlet, 162nd & Glisan
• SOLV, Bringing Oregon together
• Albertsons, 181st & Glisan
• And, all the many volunteers!
