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Neighborhood Connections: Apr 2011

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By admin - Posted on April 18th, 2011
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City of Gresham: Neighborhood Connections, April 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

Gresham Newsletter Online
Check out the Gresham Newsletter online for corrected and updated Neighborhood Association meetings dates and activities. Read more

Spring Neighborhood Safety Forum - May 14
The Spring Neighborhood Safety Forum will be on Saturday, May 14, from 9 a.m. until noon. Topics will inlcude: new rules for Code Compliance, Community Sustainability Projects, and updates from Police Special Enforcement Team. 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

East County's Got Talent
Do you sing, dance or have other interesting talents? If so, the Gresham Chamber of Commerce wants you to try out for their East County's Got Talent contest. 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

East Gresham Community Information Fair
The Kelly Creek, Mt. Hood and Powell Valley Neighborhood Associations invite you to their 4th "one-stop shopping" information fair on May 25, 7-8:30 p.m., at Gordon Russell Middle School. Get information on organizations and programs in the community while enjoying free hot dogs and more! 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 heatherp@metfamily.org for details. Read more

Rockwood Design Standards Community Forum - April 18
The City will host the Rockwood Design Standards Community Forum on Monday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. Citizens, business owners and property owners are being asked to help the City refine the design vision for Rockwood. This project is intended to implement the vision for Rockwood by establishing an urban design framework and creating regulations to ensure that the physical environmental in Rockwood—its buildings, streetscapes, pedestrian environments and open spaces—match that vision for a quality place. For more information, please contact Lauren McGuire, Senior Landscape Architect, at 503-618-2108 or Lauren.McGuire@GreshamOregon.gov. Read more

Urban Forestry Management Plan Open House – April 19
We need your feedback on the Draft Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) and the strategies proposed to enhance Gresham's urban forest over the next 20+ years. Join us on Tuesday, April 19 at 5 p.m. to review the Draft Urban Forestry Management Plan. There will be a short presentation at the beginning of each hour that highlights the draft Plan and key action items identified in the Plan. We will provide copies of the full draft Plan for your review. For more information, please contact Tina Osterink, Natural Resources Associate Planner, at 503-618-2392 or Tina.Osterink@GreshamOregon.gov. Read more

The Chamber Expo
The Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center is hosting "The Chamber Expo". This event showcases the newest members of the Chamber to the general public and will also serve as a business to business expo. There is no charge for the event. Benefit from give-aways and win some great prizes. The Chamber Expo is on May 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Henry’s Catholic Church Gymnasium located at 345 NW 1st St. in Historic Downtown Gresham. Attend and show your support of local businesses. A special raffle along with "Try Local First Key Tag" will be featured. The winner will receive an array of prizes from local Chamber members. Read more

New Mediators Join East Metro Mediation
East Metro Mediation trained seven new mediators in its annual 35-hour training over two intense weekends in April. Many commented on new insights about themselves and their interactions. Six of the trainees have agreed to mediate as volunteers with the program for one year. Thanks to them the program can serve 1200 people per year. Read more

Are You a Gresham Homeowner? Clean Energy Works Gresham is Here!
Is your home leaking dollar bills because it isn’t energy efficient? The City, in partnership with Clean Energy Works Oregon, is offering a ground-breaking program now to Gresham homeowners who want to transform older homes to be more energy efficient (for example adding new insulation, duct sealing, new furnace, water heater etc.) Qualified homeowners receive an all-in-one solution with no upfront costs. Included in the package are an extensive energy audit by a trained building expert, retrofit work conducted by a certified contractor and access to low interest rate financing. Nicole Cousino is the City’s program contact at 503-618-2485. Read more

Public Comment Sought on Draft Stormwater Monitoring Plan
Citizens, what do you think? Your comments are sought for Gresham and Fairview’s draft, updated five-year Stormwater Monitoring Plan for keeping creeks and wetlands a natural asset. The purpose of the Stormwater Monitoring Plan is to assist the cities of Gresham and Fairview in long term program evaluation with the goal of minimizing pollutant discharge to the maximum extent practicable. The plan outlines the sampling locations, frequencies, and duration throughout Gresham and Fairview. Comments accepted until noon Monday, April 25. Read more

City’s Earth Day Recycling Collection Event is April 23
Do you have an old plastic kiddie pool taking up storage space? The City’s annual Earth Day Recycling Event is on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gresham City Hall. We will be accepting rigid plastics, Styrofoam, paper for shredding, fluorescent tubes and lights, and cell phones. We will also have compost bins and bicycle helmets available for sale. Read more

Volunteer Bird Survey Orientation is April 23
Come and join us while we watch the birds! Now in its third year, Gresham’s Volunteer Bird Survey is capturing a wonderful picture of the wide diversity of birds we have around us. Orientation is on Saturday, April 23, at Gresham City Hall, and will prepare you for adopting a site, identifying birds, and helping the community. Surveys will be on your own time, once a week for about six weeks. Bird lovers and families are welcome. No experience is necessary. Read more

Drug Take-Back Day is April 30
On Saturday, April 30, the DEA and its partners will hold the second National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. 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

Gresham Celebrates National Bike Month in May
May is National Bike Month and the City and partners are offering several free events that highlight bicycling including bike commute workshops, family and adult bike rides, a volunteer effort to count bicyclists around town, and Bike to Work Day. Read more

Learn to Naturescape in Your Garden Workshop May 7
Are you interested in learning about naturescaping as a way to landscape using native plants and no chemicals? Naturescaping saves time and money, reduces your water and chemical use, increases wildlife habitat, and helps to protect our watersheds. Join in the fun on May 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hall Elementary School. You must register for this event and space is limited. Read more

Internal Sustainability Plan Brings Multiple Benefits to City Operations
Reducing fuel usage in the City’s automobile fleet and evaluating products used in the City’s 13 buildings and infrastructure projects are ways the Gresham City Council is ensuring the organization continues to improve its efficiency and cost-savings now and in the future. Read more

City’s New Program Offers Free Water Audit and Home Energy Review
During the two-hour assessment, a professional advisor reviews your home from top to bottom seeking out areas of water and energy waste. You receive helpful tips and information, and even some free products that can help with savings right away. Read more

Resident Web Panel: Your Opinion Matters
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 our resident web panel 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

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