Neighborhood Connections: Mar 2011

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City of Gresham: Neighborhood Connections, March 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

Keep up with what’s Happening in your City!

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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.


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

Earthquake Preparedness (Read)

One thing is for sure: The threat of a Japan-style quake in Oregon is more than just a theory. Large seduction zone quakes off the Northwest coast have historically occurred every 300 or so years —the last one in 1700. So we’re due. The time you take to prepare NOW, could save you, or your loved ones lives. Read more

Multnomah County RSVP, a Program of Metropolitan Family Service (MFS)

Multnomah County RSVP volunteers provide a wide range of services determined by both their interests and the needs of the community. Multnomah County RSVP opportunities within MFS include providing transportation and Friendly Visiting services to older adults. Opportunities available at partner community organizations include providing nutritious meals to low income families and older adults; encouraging hospital patients and family members and welcoming visitors to the Portland area. Please contact Heather Pruess at 503-249-8215 ext. 22 or heatherp@metfamily.org for details. Read more

"10 Ways to Engage Your Audience & Extend Your Reach" Class

The Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center and Try Local First is sponsoring "10 Ways to Engage Your Audience & Extend Your Reach" class, given by a local business owner: Michael Gonzales of Sole Position Internet Marketing. The class will be held on Tuesday, March 29 at Portland Adventist Elementary School in Gresham from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is just $25 per person. For more information or to register for the class contact Julie at at 503-665-1131. Hurry, there is limited seating! Read more

Project Linkage

Project Linkage, a program of Metropolitan Family Service, helps older adults and people with disabilities remain independent and in their own homes longer. How do we do this? We offer transportation, friendly visiting, shopping assistance and home repair services free of charge. For more information about accessing services or volunteering to provide a service, please contact Heather Pruess at 503-249-8215 ext. 22 or heatherp@metfamily.org for details. Read more

Experience is the Best Teacher, and You Have a Lifetime’s Worth

Experience Corps, a program of Metropolitan Family Service, is an innovative program that connects older adult mentors (55+) with students in public schools throughout Portland and Gresham. Experience Corps volunteers provide mentoring and academic support to students to boost student academic performance, help schools become more successful, and strengthen community support. Volunteers serving approximately 15 hours per week may be eligible to receive a monthly stipend.Please contact Heather Pruess at 503-249-8215 ext. 22 or heather@metfamily.org for details. Read more

Earth Day Recycling Collection Event, Save the Date: Apr 23

Start gathering your hard-to-recyclables for the City’s annual Earth Day Recycling Event on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gresham City Hall. Read more

City Looks at Relationship Between Built Environment And Health

The City is hosting an Open House on April 6 for you to share your thoughts on how the built environment helps and/or hinders the ability to have access to healthy foods and active living opportunities. Read more

Residents’ Views Needed on Institutional Master Plans: Apr 4

The City of Gresham wants your help in developing a process for institutional uses to seek approval of long-term master plans. The current Development Code does not allow approval of long-range plans. Instead, each development on an institutional campus (such as a hospital or college) is reviewed separately. Those interested are invited to a community forum at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 4, in Conference Room 2A at City Hall to review the draft approach to allowing master plan approvals. Read more

Rain Garden Grants Available: Deadline Apr 15

The Healthy Streams Program offers free services for Gresham residents including $200 rain garden grants for homeowners, free downspout disconnection services, at-home natural gardening consultation visits, free workshops and free trees. To be eligible for downspout disconnection services and rain garden grants, staff must confirm the safety of your site. Deadline to pre-qualify for rain garden grants is April 15. Read more

Event Recycling Volunteers Needed: Mar 26

Monitor recycling at little league game March 26th at Main City Park. Volunteer shifts are 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm. Read more

Birds, Bees and Butterflies Workshop: Apr 10

Eager to see beneficial birds, butterflies and gentle native bees? Discover how beautiful native plants can bring these allies to your yard, helping fight pests and improving garden productivity. Come to our free workshop on April 10 at Covenant Church. Read more

Make Your Opinions Count for the Community, E-mail surveys

The Department of Environmental Services is looking for residents to share opinions via a series of short e-mail surveys over the next few years. Participation in the periodic surveys will help staff design and deliver cost-effective programs that enhance the health of local streams and the community. Please share your opinions with us! Read more

Street Sweeping Schedule

You may have spotted the street sweeper out and about in your neighborhood. Please help us by moving garbage cans, recycle containers, vehicles, boats, campers into your driveway when your section is due to be swept. View when the street sweeper will be in your neighborhood. Read more

Transportation Fair for Downtown Employees: Apr 7

Save Thursday, April 7, for an employee SmartTrips Transportation Fair in Gresham Station on Norman Avenue near the MAX light rail line. The Gresham Downtown Development Association and the City, through a grant-funded program, will be offering many free travel tools for using bikes, transit or carpooling to work. Food and giveaways included. Read more

Bike Rides for Adults and Families Start in April

Adult group bike rides and family bicycle rides are all offered free of charge and sponsored by the City and the Gresham Regional Center Transportation Management Association. More details and the schedules online. Read more

Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day: April 30

On Saturday, April 30, the DEA and its partners will hold the second National Prescription Drug Take-Back Daynationwide. Gresham and East County residents can drop off prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Troutdale Police Department, 141 S.E. Dora St., Troutdale. The take-back service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Read more

Bike Commute Workshops: May 4 & 11

The City and Bicycle Transportation Alliance are offering two free lunchtime bike commuting workshops on May 4 at the Gresham Library and May 11 at Mt. Hood Community College. The workshop is a great first step toward bike commuting. Workshop topics include safe and legal riding; route planning and maps; and what you need to know about lights and rain gear. A bicycle mechanic will be available to do bicycle safety checks. Read more

Free Bird Workshop: Apr 5

A free Songbird Identification class April 5 at City Hall will teach participants how to identify the most common songbirds found during peak birding months. James Davis, birding expert from Metro, will lead the class. Slides, sounds and specimens will be used to prepare birders for the bird-filled spring and summer months. Read more

City’s Natural Resources and Sustainability Committee Looking for Members

Do you enjoy the environment and topics such as natural resources, water quality and trees? Would you like to hear about City programs and projects related to sustainability? The Natural Resources and Sustainability Committee has openings for residents. The committee advises the Gresham City Council on policy development matters and actions pertaining to sustainability. The committee meets monthly at City Hall. Read more

Get Ready to Travel Smart

SmartTrips is coming to the Gresham Regional Center neighborhood. Smart Trips is a program that provides information about using transit, biking, walking, and carpooling. This grant funded project includes many free travel tools to help you discover the ease of getting around Gresham by these alternative modes of travel. Read more


Gresham Neighborhoods