Neighborhood Connections: May 2011

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City of Gresham: Neighborhood Connections, May 2011. Find Out What's Happening in and Around Your City. Public Safety information, Community Activities & Events, Training & Workshops, Volunteer Opportunities, and more.

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

Are You Ready? Workshop - June 18
Find out everything you ever wanted to know about basic disaster preparedness. Register to attend a morning or afternoon session. Workshop agenda includes: 72 hour kit contents, creating a family plan, when to stay-when to go, managing utilities, and knowing your neighborhood. Read more

Multnomah County RSVP, a Program of Metropolitan Family Service (MFS)
Find out everything you ever wanted to know about basic disaster preparedness. 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 Gresham Community Information Fair - May 25
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

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

Join Girl Scouting and Make a Difference in a Girls’ Life
You can make a difference in the lives of girls! Whether you have a day, a weekend, or more, Girl Scouts will match your skills, interests and goals to volunteer opportunities. Here are just a few of the ways you can get involved. Read more

Music Mondays Return to the Center for the Arts Plaza
The Center for the Arts Plaza, 401 NE 2nd Street, will be alive with the sound of music this summer on Mondays with noon performances June 6 – August 29 and evening performances at 6:30 p.m. July 11 – August 29. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, pick up some nourishing treats from a local merchant, dance with abandon if the spirit moves you, see friends, relax and enjoy free entertainment provided by talented musicians who are eager to share their love of music with you. Read more

Healthy Soil for Healthy Plants May 22
Got a lackluster landscape or veggie garden? Learn how to turn any soil into a fertile bed for roots using all-organic methods that help plants thrive without costly chemicals or harmful runoff. Plus, learn how to “read” your soil, prep it for planting and how to use slow-release fertilizers, compost and other soil amendments. Class will be held at St. Henry’s Church from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration required. Read more

Building Healthy Soil and Compost Class June 4
The workshop will include tips on soil and composting. Instructor Heather Haven from Concentrate will teach you how to maintain a healthy soil and discuss general guidelines for effective compost. Class will be at the demonstration garden at Snow Cap Charities, 17850 S.E. Stark St, from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration required. Read more

Home Stuffy in Summer? Drafty in Winter? City Helps You Make the Fix
Sign up today: the City has partnered with Clean Energy Works Oregon, a new ground-breaking program that assists homeowners with energy efficient improvements (insulation, air and duct sealing, home and water heating, windows.) Qualified homeowners receive an all-in-one solution with no upfront costs, an extensive energy audit by a trained building expert, work conducted by a certified contractor, and loan repayment through the utility bill. Read more

SmartTrips Continues Through Summer
It's not too late to discover how you can become a pro at driving smart and taking advantage of transportation options in Gresham such as transit, carpooling, biking and walking. There are Family Walks, Midweek Walks, Family Bicycle Rides, and Adult Bicycle Rides scheduled once a month from May through October. We hope these travel resources and organized activities help you explore your neighborhood to shop, work and discover how many trips you can easily, conveniently and safely make without using a car. Check out the SmartTrips Summer Newsletter online and our SmartTrips Order Form for free tools. Read more

Leaky Toilet? Wasting Water? Free City Service Provides Answers
The City offers free Water Audit and Home Energy Reviews. 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 such as showerheads and faucet aerators. 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


Gresham Neighborhoods