Neighborhood Connections: Jan 2011

City of Gresham: Neighborhood Connections January 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.

Inside this Issue

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Gresham Neighborhoods listing

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.


Neighborhood Safety Forum – February 16

The Winter Neighborhood Safety Forum will be on Wednesday, February 16 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Topics will include: Updates from Gresham Police Department; Updates on Code Changes; and Disaster Preparedness Information. Read more

Crime Reports

Residents can now access current property crime data on the City’s web site. The crime information is mapped so residents can get a visual perspective of actual crime reports submitted. This data is updated monthly and also includes crime prevention tips and trends. Read more

Raptor Identification Workshop February 1

Birds found in Oregon are not only beautiful to look at and listen to, but they can also tell us about the health of our environment in our community. The City is holding bird identification workshops at City Hall. The first is Tuesday, February 1. Read more

Show the Love Contest

Try Local First would love you to “Shop Local” for Valentine’s Day! To make it more fun Try Local First in co-operation with the Gresham Outlook is hosting a “Show the Love” contest. The winner will win many fabulous prizes from local merchants. To enter, just fill out the entry in the Outlook, attach a business card or a receipt from any East County merchant and either drop it off or mail it to the Gresham Outlook on or before 5:00 p.m. on February 7, 2011. The winner will be announced Saturday, February 12th in the Outlook. Read more

Community Forum – February 15

The City of Gresham is seeking input regarding compatibility of residential development at a 6:30 p.m. February 15 Community Forum. The Residential Districts Review-Compatibility forum will review draft Development Code changes intended to ensure new residential development and existing development are more compatible with each other. The changes will affect issues such as height and bulk of some proposed new homes in existing neighborhoods; flag lots height transitions; and buffering and screening between uses. Contact Associate Planner Brian Martin, 503-618-2266 or brian.martin@greshamoregon.gov with questions or comments. Read more

YWCA Fundraising Event

The YWCA of Greater Portland will host its annual fundraising event, the YWCA Inspire Luncheon, at noon, Thursday, April 28 at the Portland Hilton and Executive Tower, 921 SW 6th Ave. Tickets are $100 per person. All proceeds from the event will go to support the women and families of the YWCA of Greater Portland, who operates East County Senior Services in the Multnomah County East building. Former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts will serve as the honorary chair for the luncheon that will feature writer, lecturer and iconic feminist activist, Gloria Steinem as the keynote speaker. Read more

Drawing Out Conflict – Workshop to Explore Conflict Resolution

East Metro Mediation is hosting this fun workshop that involves crayons, paper, and you! It will be Wednesday evening, March 9, at Gresham City Hall. No artistic ability allowed! This workshop is free to Gresham residents; please pre-register. Read more

Gresham-Barlow School Board Hosting Community Forum

The Gresham-Barlow School Board has scheduled a forum for February 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. as the district seeks input from parents, business owners, teachers and others on how to best educate its students as they advance through the 21st century. There will be a survey at the forum to determine the community’s “collective vision for public education,” according to the district. There will also be small-group discussions. For more information about the forum, call 503-618-2646. Read more

Try Local First Key Tag Program

Support local business and your own business by participating in the Try Local First Key Tag Program. If you are a business looking for a low cost marketing opportunity to local consumers this is the program for you! For more information contact Stacey Warden with Try Local First at 503-329-3899. Read more

YWCA Thrift Store Gives Back to Those in Need

YWCA Senior Services has found a way to earn extra revenue while helping those in need in the community. The YWCA Seniors Thrift Store, located on the first floor of the Multnomah County East building at 600 NE 8th Street in Gresham, is run by volunteers and sells a variety of donated items, typically ranging between $0.50 to $5. In addition, YWCA Senior Services partners with a number of agencies to provide vouchers to clients in need. Over $500 in vouchers have been redeemed in the last three months by social services clients to buy clothing and other essentials from the store. Read more

Basic Mediation Training: Apply by February 28

East Metro Mediation will be holding its 35-hour Basic Mediation Training in April, when participants will learn communication skills, conflict theory and practical approaches to help people resolve conflict. People who want to volunteer as mediators must take this course; others who want to use the skills in their homes and workplaces are also encouraged to take this course. Bilingual speakers (Spanish or Russian and English) are encouraged to apply. Applications are due February 28. Read more

Water Crews Flushing Pipes

This year's water flushing, valve and hydrant maintenance program runs Jan. 31 until March and takes place in southwest Gresham. City crews will be flushing water pipes to remove built-up sediments that settle in waterlines over time. Signs in the neighborhood will let you know in advance when flushing is coming. Read more

NE Hood Avenue Project Open House February 15

Join City staff to review preliminary plans to upgrade the streetscape and sidewalks on NE Hood Avenue from Powell to Division. Read more

Free Rain Garden Workshop March 5

Improve water quality and wildlife habitat at home by building your own rain garden, disconnecting your downspouts and gardening with native plants. Join City staff at a hands-on workshop on Saturday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Hollydale Elementary School. Space is limited. Read more

New Pilot Program - Water Audit and Home Energy Review

Learn about opportunities to save water, energy and money at home. Gresham water customers can call to schedule a Water Audit and Home Energy Review. Read more

New Year, New Trail to Explore

The new section of the Gresham-Fairview Trail is now open, including the pedestrian bridge over Powell Boulevard. Now you can walk, bike, jog and skate 3.29 miles from the Springwater Trail to Halsey Street. Read more

SmartTrips is Coming to Gresham Regional Center Neighborhood

If you live in the Gresham Regional Center area, watch for the Smart Trips newsletter and Order Form arriving soon in the mail. You don’t want to miss your chance to order transportation options resources that can help you start walking, biking, riding transit, carpooling, combining car trips and other ways to protect your neighborhood environment. A map showing the residential boundary is on the web. Read more

Gresham Woods, Ambleside, Need Volunteers at Event

Two fantastic natural areas along Johnson Creek (Gresham Woods and Ambleside) are once again included in the Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s 13th annual Watershed Wide Event on Saturday, March 5. It would be great to get as many Gresham residents out as we can. Read more


Gresham Neighborhoods