Aircraft traffic to increase this spring over Wilkes East neighborhood
PDX Seasonal Traffic Flow Change Ahead |
Get ready for increased air traffic noise as PDX makes its seasonal traffic flow change |
Semi-Annual Pattern Change
Wilkes East residents will notice a change in aircraft flight activity as Portland International Airport begins its seasonal traffic flow change. This is an annual event that occurs every fall and spring due to changing weather conditions, particularly wind direction and speed.
As a result of this change, residents of Wilkes East neighborhood may experience variations in aircraft noise exposure.
East County Courts in Rockwood Nears Completion, Doors Open Late April 2012
After decades of delays and missteps the new courthouse receives the finishing touches as it prepares to open for business.
The new $19.6 million 40,000-square-foot three-floor facility will have three courtrooms, with room for future expansion to six, an office for the district attorney, a sheriff's department security office, court business office, a data center in the basement and a drop-in child care facility for visitors.
The courthouse will serve people being adjudicated for misdemeanors, violations, small claims, landlord and tenant actions, ex parte hearings and document filing for all civil and domestic relations actions - many of which were previously filed at the overcrowded downtown Portland courthouse. The new courthouse is only for civil matters. It will not include a detention facility, nor will felony cases be heard.
Funding for the new courthouse includes $15 million from Recovery Zone Economic Development (stimulus) Bonds. The remaining portion will be funded from the 2008 sale of the South Edgefield property.
MedCure Prepares To Open New Facility in Gresham Oregon
Body Donation Business For Medical Training and Research Expands
MedCure Inc, a 6-year old Portland company that arranges body donations for medical training and research will soon move into their new headquarters at 181st & NE Sandy Blvd in Gresham Oregon. |
The 20,000 square foot West Gresham facility with administrative offices features a 1,300 square foot surgical training center with six stations, classrooms and a small auditorium.
Construction of the new building began in early October 2011.
The company also has two other training facilities in Nevada and Rhode Island, and a donor center in Florida.
MedCure is a clearinghouse for families focused on donating a body to science - and medical researchers needing a body for their work.
Gresham to Build Rockwood Public Safety Facility at Former Kasch's Garden Center Site
Site of new police station. Click to enlarge |
Site acquisition for Rockwood public safety facility approved. New facility will improve police presence and services in Rockwood / West Gresham area. |
On Feb 21, 2012, the Gresham Redevelopment Commission approved the acquisition of 2.3 acres at 675 NE 181st, 1-block north of Glisan for the future site of the Rockwood Public Safety Facility. Get Map!
Approval of the $775,000 property acquisition will allow design and construction of the project to proceed on schedule for completion by the end of 2013. At the same meeting an award of business was given to Group Mackenzie, Inc. to provide architectural services for the project.
"This important step in the process demonstrates the City’s commitment to improving public safety and enhancing police presence in Rockwood," said Mayor Shane Bemis. "It is very exciting to see work begin towards delivering on this vital urban renewal goal."
The 10,000-12,000 sq. ft. Rockwood Public Safety Facility will create a welcoming and highly visible police presence in Rockwood, improving public safety and encouraging new investment in the area.
Once completed the facility will house a range of police functions, including support for patrol officers serving Rockwood and other special units and programs.
Hurry! Take Advantage of Solar Energy with 'Solar Gresham': April 1 to July 31, 2012
Now, This is a Bright Idea!Excited about solar? |
Solar Gresham is an exciting new program promoted by the City of Gresham. It offers homeowners solar at up to 80% off the cost with ease of installation and financing. In addition to providing solar at a great price, Solar Gresham will be offering free workshops and assistance with incentives. They'll also help residents find resources to make their homes more energy efficient, therefore reducing utility costs.
Program Available for a Limited Time – April 1 to July 31
Imagine Energy and City staff will guide you through the entire process, from home assessment to installation to ongoing monitoring of your energy production. They will also assist you with obtaining all available incentives.
Wilkes East Neighborhood newsletter now available for download
Find out what's happening
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Download the full-color edition here. Now with clickable links!
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.
Looking for a past issue? Check out the newsletter archive.
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.
Spring Vegetable Garden; Easy, Fun & Rewarding
As winter transforms into early spring, there are many fantastic vegetables that grow best in cooler seasons.
The first vine ripened tomato may still be a few months away, but there’s still plenty to keep you busy in the vegetable garden. Take advantage of the cool, wet weather of spring to put in multiple crops of nutritious vegetables. |
Spring Favorites
Here's a list of great choices along with their days til harvest that are carefree & easy to grow:
Arugula (30), Beets (45), Broccoli (70) Brussels Sprouts (80), Carrots (50), Peas (60), Kale (75), Onions: seeds (125), sets (100), Potatoes: 2-3 eyes (90), Radish (25), Spinach (55).
It Doesn’t Get Easier
Choose a sunny location, sow seeds in loose well drained garden soil as soon as the soil can be worked and let nature take its course. Plant a second crop two weeks after the first for a sustained Spring harvest. We prefer to plant garlic and shallots in the fall, but both do fine as spring crops, so go ahead and plant them too!
Got Radon? The only way to know your home’s Radon level is to test
Radon gas occurs naturally. 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: February 2012
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.
Inside this Issue
- Crime Reports
- Gresham Charter
- We’re Looking for Solar Gresham Volunteers
- Chilly Inside at Home? Get Tips With Our Video Series
- Expect Big Changes in 2012 for Main City Park
- Gresham Composts!
- Learn How to Identify Wintering Birds in your Yard
- Learn About Naturescaping and Native Plants – February 26
- Renewable Energy Project Seeks Input – March 8 at 6 p.m
- Spring Gardening Grants and Resources
- Weed Watcher Workshop March 13
- Fair Housing Training for Gresham Landlords
- Community Forum for Wireless Communication Facilities
- Class: Winter Birds in Your Yard
- Workshop: Brain Science and Conflict Resolution – March 7
- National Passport Day – March 10
- Water Flushing Around Town
- Upcoming Opportunities to Make your Voice Heard
- Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation’s 2012 Phone-A-Thon
Keep up with what’s Happening in your City!
Facebook - Read more
Twitter - Read more
Subscribe to City media releases - Read more
For more information, visit the Neighborhood Associations page at GreshamOregon.gov or contact Cathy Harrington at 503-618-2482, or email Cathy.Harrington@GreshamOregon.gov.
Reynolds School District teachers beg for new blood with next superintendent
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 |
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).