Community

2020 Spring Newsletter "Diversity, Harmony, Community - Together 'WE' can make a difference!”

Read it now!

Spring 2020 Newsletter Inside This Issue: Pining for a Parks District Albertina Kerr Housing Update Wilkes East Land-Use Update Glisan Street Lane Reduction

Download your copy here. (includes active web links)

Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area 3 times per year, timed to correspond with our regular meetings.

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Albertina Kerr Workforce and Inclusive Housing. Entry, Gresham campus. Click to enlarge.

By: Jeff Carr
CEO, Albertina Kerr
www.albertinakerr.org/

Albertina Kerr continues to move forward and make progress on its Workforce and Inclusive Housing Project to be located on the Gresham campus at 722 NE 162 Avenue. The project will include 150 units, from studios to 3 bedrooms. Since the November Wilkes East Neighborhood meeting where a presentation was made, significant progress has been made:

• Site due diligence was completed in December 2019 (Geotech, surveying, arborist report)
• A Design Review Consult was completed with the City of Gresham Community Design Review Committee in December 2019
• 100% Schematic Design was completed in early January 2020
  Submittals were completed for land use review in early January 2020
• Albertina Kerr hit the $1 million private fundraising mark in December 2020 and only needs $200,000 more in private donations to hit the total goal of $1.2 million in private donations.

One significant change since the November meeting is that we have decided to pursue making the building “net zero” from an energy use standpoint, which means we will be adding enhancements to make the entire building more energy efficient and producing energy via solar panels to provide enough energy to operate the entire building year-round.

The current timeline for the project is as follows:

We continue to be excited about this project and what it will mean for direct care workers at Albertina Kerr and others who care for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Architect Images

NE 162nd Ave view. Click to enlarge

NE Holladay St view. Click to enlarge

About Albertine Kerr
For more than 100 years, Albertina Kerr has been caring for Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens. Over the decades, our services have evolved to meet the community’s needs. While these needs have changed, the values of our expert caregivers remain constant: compassion, commitment, collaboration, and advocacy.

Today, Kerr empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental health challenges, and other social barriers to lead self-determined lives and reach their full potential. We provide comprehensive crisis and preventative mental health care for children and teens, as well as a full range of services for children and adults with IDD.

Learn more at www.albertinakerr.org

Latest Pictures Explore Jupiter and its Moons When: Tue, Jan 07, 2020 6PM-8:15PM Where: MHCC Planetarium Sky Theater 26000 SE Stark Street Get Map!

Tuesday shows are at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

Admission is only $5.
MHCC students (with valid ID) and children 17 and under are $2.

All shows are presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images.

The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.

2019-20 MHCC Planetarium Sky Theater Schedule:

Planetarium shows are generally on the first Tuesday and on the second Friday of each month (with exceptions during November and January).

More Info
For more info visit: http://www.mhcc.edu/Planetarium

Latest Pictures Explore Jupiter and its Moons When: Fri, Jan 10, 2020 6PM-8:15PM Where: MHCC Planetarium Sky Theater 26000 SE Stark Street Get Map!

Tuesday shows are at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

Admission is only $5.
MHCC students (with valid ID) and children 17 and under are $2.

All shows are presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images.

The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.

2019-20 MHCC Planetarium Sky Theater Schedule:

Planetarium shows are generally on the first Tuesday and on the second Friday of each month (with exceptions during November and January).

More Info
For more info visit: http://www.mhcc.edu/Planetarium

Clean Out Those Closets When: Sat, Jan 18, 2020 10:30AM-1PM Where: Gresham Library 385 NW Miller Ave. Get Map!

Join the City of Gresham and Green Minded Gresham by participating in waste reduction and reuse activities, including:

• Clothing and holiday decor swap.
• Recycling and food waste prevention information.
• Kids recycled art and crafts.
• Reduce waste with easy, at-home ideas.

For more information about this event, contact Shaunna Sutcliffe at 503-618-2694 or Shaunna.Sutcliffe@GreshamOregon.gov.

Read more about recycling in Gresham.

When: Tue, Jan 21, 2020 5:30PM-8PM Where: Gresham City Hall Conference Center 1333 NW Eastman Pky Get Map!

Applicants for the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Community Enhancement Grants will present their proposals to the Community Enhancement Advisory Committee.

For more information about this event, contact Joe Walsh at 503-618-2372.

When: Tue, Jan 28, 2020 5PM-7PM Where: Gresham City Hall Conference Rm 1A 1333 NW Eastman Pky Get Map!

The Community Enhancement Advisory Committee will meet to make its final funding decisions for the Fiscal Year 2020-21 grant applications.

For more information about this meeting, contact Joe Walsh at 503-618-2372.

NCEP Temperature Probabilities Jan 11-18. Click to enlarge

BBBRRRrrrr!! Starting this weekend, a series of systems will usher in the coldest air we've seen so far this season.

By Garret Hartung (Wilkes East resident)
Climate Science Undergrad, Oregon State University

With this cold air in place next week (Jan 11-18), any system swinging in moisture from the Pacific has the potential to bring winter precipitation to the lowest elevations. In typical Pacific Northwest fashion, this forecast is complicated, so its best to break it down into a few categories: what we do know, what is uncertain, and how can you be prepared.

What We Do Know:

• Temperatures are expected to be well below the average high of 46°F for this time of year. The NCEP (National Centers for Environmental Prediction) is showing an 80% or greater probability of below normal temperatures in our area for next week. High temperatures are looking to be in the low 30’s starting Tuesday with lows in the mid to lower 20’s. It wouldn’t be too shocking to see temperatures dip below 20°F in this set up. There is still some uncertainty in regard to how cold it will get, there are a few models showing temperatures even lower than what was mentioned above but confidence in that is very low
• The east wind should be howling during this period. This is where most of the cold air will come from. Depending on the exact strength and location of a system we could see gusts exceeding 40mph, which is strong but not out of the ordinary for our area. Typically, we see a few 40+mph gusts from the east each year. This could lead to some very cold wind chills, probably getting into the teens or lower for some days.
• The upper level pattern is conductive of storms developing off the coast. For most of next week, temperatures should be cold enough in Portland to support snow at the valley floor. It’s appears fairly certain we should see some precipitation in this period.

What is Uncertain:

• A few models are showing extremely cold temperatures in our area that haven’t been seen in decades. While I wouldn’t bet on that occurring, there is a small possibility that does occur. For example, the latest run of the GFS (Global Forecast System) model has lows in the single digits. While other models keep us in the 20’s/30’s.
• The big question is how much precipitation we will get. Models have been showing anything from nothing to a 2008-like event for the Portland area. There are several factors that are leading to this uncertainty. The main thing is the track and strength of the storms that may or may not form. A stronger storm may produce more precipitation but could also bring in warm air from the south to keep us above freezing. A storm tracking too far north could do the same thing, while a storm tracking too far south may leave us cold but dry. We won’t know the exact strength and track of a storm till about 3 days out. So, any estimates of the amount of snowfall we could get should be questioned until we are with in 36 hours of the event. This was an issue last year when crazy model outputs were being shared on social media, causing some what of a panic. I will say that the models are starting to zero in on Thursday as out potential big snow day, but specific details will change in the coming days.

How to prepare:

• Winterize your home if you haven’t done so yet this winter. In particular shut off and cover outside faucets and make sure the pipes in your home are ready for the coldest temps of the season thus far. If you have a generator for your home, make sure its good on fuel and you know how to connect it properly. Freezing rain is not out of the question for this event, especially for areas exposed to the gorge winds.
• Stock your car on winter survival gear. Have chains or traction tires ready if you need to travel this week. Things like some food, water, kitty litter, and other supplies you may need if your car gets stuck.
• Have a plan. Should we have a high impact winter event, be prepared with food (for you and your pet) and medicine in your home and try not to travel. Think about things you’d need if you can’t leave the house for a couple days. It’s also good to think about potential loss of power. Keep your phone charged and have flashlights ready.
• Be weather ready! Stay informed by paying attention to local media outlets and the National Weather Service for the latest forecasts and warnings. These men and women know the area and know how snow events play out more so than the app on your phone.

The bottom line is that cold weather is expected and all types of winter precipitation including snow and freezing rain could occur next week. So be prepared for impactful weather.

It’s better to prepare for an event and it doesn’t occur than to not be prepared if it does.

During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge.

Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, strong winds, power failures, loss of communications, and icy roads.

Here's a list of groceries and emergency supplies you need in case of snow.

Items that don’t require refrigeration or heat to prepare

• Nut butters, jams and jellies
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Dried fruits and nuts
• Juices (particularly those that are not commonly found in the refrigerator section of the supermarket)
• Breads, muffins, bagels, tortillas
• Dry cereal or granola
• Canned milk or non-dairy milk in aseptic cartons
• Protein bars and protein shakes
• Jarred sauces such as salsa, ketchup, or mustard.
• Pickles or foods preserved in vinegar
• Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, provolone and parmesan, processed cheeses, and Edam (just make sure the cheese is well wrapped and sealed)

Other items to add to your list if you don’t have them

• A non-electric can opener
• Charcoal or propane for the outdoor grill
• Pet food
• Kitty litter
• Paper towels, paper plates, and plastic utensils (useful if the power goes out and you can’t wash dishes)
• Toilet paper
• Water (1 gal per person per 3 days)

Other storm essentials

• Rock salt for melting ice on sidewalks and driveway
• An ice scraper for your car’s windshield
• A sturdy snow shovel
• Foam insulation covers for exterior faucets
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight, with batteries
• Extra batteries, just in case

Good to have on hand when you’re going to be cooped-up

• Favorite baking supplies for cookies and quickbread (flour, sugar, salt, eggs, butter)
• Cartons of chicken or vegetable broth for making soup (a good excuse to use up what’s already in your vegetable bin)
• Canned soup
• Comfort food (mac ‘n’ cheese, pasta, potatoes. yum)
• Favorite snacks (popcorn, chips, etc.)
• Apple cider
• Coffee and tea
• Wine and beer
• Liquor

Now that you're ready you can relax and enjoy a snow day!

Source: The Oregonian/Oregonlive.com

A Travel Guide to our Moon When: Tue, Dec 03, 2019 6PM-8:15PM Where: MHCC Planetarium Sky Theater 26000 SE Stark Street Get Map!

Tuesday shows are at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

Admission is only $5.
MHCC students (with valid ID) and children 17 and under are $2.

All shows are presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images.

The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.

2019-20 MHCC Planetarium Sky Theater Schedule:

Planetarium shows are generally on the first Tuesday and on the second Friday of each month (with exceptions during November and January).

More Info
For more info visit: http://www.mhcc.edu/Planetarium