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Neighborhood Connections: July 2011

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By admin - Posted on July 21st, 2011
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City of Gresham: Neighborhood Connections, June 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

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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.

Gresham is Paving the Way for Better Streets
Summer push will provide pavement maintenance for 25 percent of City streets.This summer, Gresham transportation crews will undertake a record level of pavement maintenance as part of a $3 million investment in residential streets. This summer, paving push is part of The Road Ahead, a top City Council priority outlined in the 2011 Council Work Plan. One of the driving factors behind this push is residents’ concern about the condition of neighborhood streets. The record amount of summer work is made possible by a one-time increase in two state funding sources, gas taxes and vehicle registration fees. Read more

Don’t Let Potholes Become a Neighborhood Nuisance
In addition to paving maintenance, work crews will also focus on pothole repair this summer. Residents can report potholes by calling 503-618-2626. Callers should have the location of the pothole, including the nearest cross street and/or address available. The City will fill potholes within 72 hours. 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

Free Tree Giveaway, Native Plants and Natural Gardening Consultations
Don’t miss out this summer: the Healthy Streams Program and its free services for Gresham residents help you make a difference — one yard at a time. Free compost bins, native plants, home visits, natural gardening consultations and free downspout disconnection assistance are ways to help you reduce pollution to local creeks and wetlands, starting in your own yard. Watch the video

The “Back to School Essay Contest” Begins Soon!
The Gresham Outlook is partnering with Try Local First to reward the 2 best essay writers in age groups 6yrs-12yrs and 13yrs-18yrs about why it is important to shop locally. There are going to be lots and lots of really cool prizes for both winners donated by local businesses, so watch The Outlook for details in the August 10th, 13th and 17th issues. Remember to Shop Locally first for those back to school items! Read more

Urban Forestry Management Plan – Council Adoption on July 19
The Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) project is on the 2011 Council Work Plan. If adopted, the UFMP will provide a comprehensive, sustainable and integrated approach to management of trees in Gresham and will provide guidance for future decisions related to trees in Gresham’s urban forest. For more information contact Tina Osterink, Natural Resources Planner in Urban Design & Planning, at 503-618-2392 or Tina.Osterink@GreshamOregon.gov. Read more

Got Mussels? July 16 and August 6
The City and Johnson Creek Watershed Council seek volunteers to come learn about Western pearlshell mussels and spend time searching for them. Last year we had great results, let’s make this year even better. Read more

Hollybrook Park Summer Festival July 22
A community festival featuring live music, food, Mudeye Puppet Company, macroinvertebrate petting zoo, book exchange, cookie exchange, Gresham Fire Department and more! Learn about free City programs, tour local gardens, try the scavenger hunt and free raffle. Read more

Bicycle Helmets on Sale July 22
Transportation Planning will be selling bicycle helmets for only $5 at the Hollybrook Summer Festival on July 22 at Hollybrook Park from 4 to 8 p.m. Bike helmets are available in all sizes from toddler to adult. Now is a great time to inspect your child’s helmet to ensure it still fits properly. Bicycle helmets should routinely be replaced every three years due to deterioration of helmet materials. Think safety first and buy a new helmet if you have any doubts. Read more

You’re Invited: Transportation Community Forum July 26
We’re planning today for tomorrow’s roads, bike routes, public transit and walking amenities. What’s important to you when it comes to getting around town? Join us Tuesday, July 26, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at City Hall and let us know what you think. We’re updating Gresham’s Transportation System Plan and seeking your input. What streets work well? What streets could work better? Where do we need better connections? Read more

How to Ride Transit July 28
This month’s class on how to ride transit will have a focus on kids, tweens, and teens, but adults are also welcome. The class will start on the Gresham City Hall MAX Station at 5 p.m. on Thursday July 28. Participants will learn how to read transit schedules, where to buy tickets, and how to ride safely. We will have a little fun and end with a few snacks. Read more

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

Significant Tree Walk August 17
Join City Staff as they guide the SmartTrips Midweek Walk on August 17, 2011 to view five or more tree sites from the 46 sites that exist in Gresham. The walk will start and end at Gresham City Hall Plaza. The walk will begin at 12:10 p.m. and return by 12:50 p.m. Come and join us, it’s a great way to exercise and learn some interesting facts about Gresham’s significant trees. Read more

How do you Get Around Gresham and the East Metro Area?
Help decision-makers understand what you experience as you drive, bike, walk or take transit in the East Metro area. Next spring the cities of Gresham, Fairview, Wood Village and Troutdale will prioritize near- and long-term transportation investments. Participate in a short survey to let us know what works well for you and what you think should be improved. Take the survey

Shop Your Local GREAT Businesses
Certified GREAT Businesses have taken steps to reduce their environmental footprint by saving energy, recycling well, reducing water use, and preventing pollution. They’ve done all this while continuing to provide Gresham residents the services they desire. Use our list of certified businesses the next time you head out shopping, and encourage businesses that aren’t on the list to join the program. Read more

Detour on Gresham-Fairview Trail
Williams Pipeline may be doing some pipe work under the Gresham-Fairview Trail on a portion of the trail between Division and Powell Boulevard. A detour is being planned around the construction to allow bikes and pedestrians through during this time. Dates are not finalized for the detour but it is anticipated to run late summer, early fall. The City will send out a media release once the dates are confirmed for the detour.
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Home Resource Efficiency and Toilet Rebates
Learn about opportunities to save water, energy and money at home. Gresham water customerscan call to schedule a Water Audit and Home Energy Review. After a Water Audit and Home Energy Review, a homeowner can apply for up to two $50 cash rebates for installing WaterSense certified high efficiency toilets. Read more

Healthy Kids Fair
Bring the family for the 26th annual Healthy Kids Fair, featuring games, healthy kid checks, bike helmet sale, animals from the Oregon Zoo, a volkswalk, fire truck tours and much more. This event is free. For more information call 503-674-1214. Read more

Block Party Time
It’s that time of year, block parties and outdoor gatherings. Be sure to check with the City of Gresham in case you need a street closure permit for your upcoming event. You must provide at least two weeks’ notice in order to approve your permit. Read more

Free Summer Activities at the Library
Looking for something to keep your kids busy this summer? The library has hundreds of free events and classes for children (and adults) of all ages! Enjoy performances by local and touring musicians, explore your creativity in one of the many art classes, or attend a workshop to learn a new skill. Check out all the free programs at your library! Read more

Multnomah County RSVP
RSVP volunteers in Multnomah County provide a wide range of health and human services, including providing transportation and Friendly Visiting services to older adults, 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

Project Linkage
Project Linkage helps older adults and people with disabilities remain independent and in their own homes longer. 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

Mentor and Tutor Local Elementary School Students
Experience Corps, a program of Metropolitan Family Service, is an innovative program that connects older adult mentors (55+) with students in public schools throughout the metro area, providing mentoring and academic support. Please contact Heather Pruess at 503-249-8215 ext. 22 or heatherp@metfamily.org for details. Read more


Gresham Neighborhoods