Sherrie Smith, Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at the nearby Community Energy Project, tells us that the recent toy recalls have renewed interest in their Lead Poisioning Prevention workshops. Weatherization workshops are also starting with the onset of the cold season. Both events are free – read on for dates, locations and all the rest.
2008 Neighborhood Small Grants Program – Accepting Proposals
The City of Portland, Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) and seven District Coalitions have announced the second year of the Neighborhood Small Grants Program with $206,600 available to neighborhood and community-based organizations. Grants are distributed through seven neighborhood District Coalitions.
The goal of the program is to provide neighborhood and community organizations an opportunity to expand their community-building capacity, attract new and diverse members and sustain those already involved.
Proposals are due no later than 4:00 PM, Thursday, November 1, 2007 at the District Coalition to which an application is made (NOT the Office of Neighborhood Involvement!).
Why this grant program was created
The grants program responds to years of input from neighborhood and community leaders for increased direct resources to neighborhood associations and other community-based groups working on local neighborhood projects. City Council first approved the funding as part of the Office of Neighborhood Involvement’s fiscal year 2006-07 budget.
Click here for more information on this year’s grant program from ONI.
Read the rest of the post for much (much!) more information about the program. If you find yourself having problems with the links, try going to the ONI website and navigating from there.
Transportation Townhall Meetings, Round Two
Commissioner Adams and the Portland Department of Transportation are continuing considering how to fund and prioritize Portland’s street maintenance needs. They are holding a second series of Neighborhood Town Hall Meetings to continue the conversation.
All meetings are 7 pm – 9 pm and you may attend any meeting to let Commissioner Adams know your opinions, thoughts, and suggestions. Click “Read the rest of this entry” for dates and locations.
Concordia University Blood Drive, September 17
The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive on September 17 at Concordia University. Concordia is located at 2811 NE Holman, and the drive will be held in the gymnasium, tenatively set for 8 am – 1 pm.
To participate, make an appointment at GiveLife.org or call Rachel Cotter at 503-201-9620. Looks like a great “one and done” volunteer opportunity – where else can you help save 3 lives in one day?
Concordia News – August 2007 Edition
Selected articles from the Concordia News are published on the website, but the entire paper is available for download as well. Here’s the August edition – hot off the presses (pdf – 2.7 MB).
Neighborhood Emergency Team Training
Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) training is starting soon. This basic training will give you the skills to work with your neighbors to save lives and property during the first 72 hours of any citywide emergency. The skills you’ll learn in the free NET training will also help you manage emergencies that you may encounter in daily life. Past attendees from Concordia found the sessions interesting and fun – not to mention a great way to get important information and contribute to the neighborhood at the same time.
For more information, check out the NET website.
West Nile Virus Warning
In late June, a dead crow found near NE 63rd and Sandy Blvd tested positive for West Nile virus and represented the first appearance of West Nile in Multnomah County this year. According to health officials, dead corvids, such as blue jays and crows, can carry the virus. Residents have reported a large number of dead corvids in the area between NE Kilingsworth and NE Fremont and MLK Blvd and 82nd Ave.
Local health officials offer the following advice:
- Report dead birds – Call 503-988-NILE or 503-988-3464
Environmental Health Section – Vector and Nuisance Control - Avoid activity in this area between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- Apply mosquito repellent containing the active ingredient DEET when outside
- Wear protective clothing (loose, light-colored, long sleeve shirts and pants)
- Mosquito-proof your home with tight-fitting screens on windows and doors
- Eliminate standing water around your property
National Night Out Celebration – Fernhill Park, August 7
Neighbors are invited to join in the fun at Concordia’s National Night Out Celebration on the evening of Tuesday, August 7th. This unique community event will be fun for the whole family with a focus on building community, which prevents crime and fear of crime.
The celebration starts at 6 PM with a pedestrian and bicycle parade at Faubion Elementary School, and continues at Fernhill Park with the last concert of our free Summer Concert Series (The Buckles) at 6:30 pm.
Crafty Mamas Street Fair, July 28
The Crafty Mamas Street Fair, featuring a slew of fantastic artisans and other activities, is coming to Concordia on July 28th
Super Crafty Mamas Street Fair
11 am – 3 pm, July 28
at: Milagros, 5433 NE 30th Avenue
The fair will feature a variety of crafts, clothes, accessories and more produced by local artisans, as well as free art activities for the kids and a raffle. See the Milagros blog post for more details.
Family Dance Party, August 5th
Need to shake your booty with your little cutie this summer? Mark your calendars and get ready to dance while supporting a wonderful organization.
As a celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, La Leche League of Portland is hosting a Family Dance Party:
Sunday August 5th from 2pm-5pm
at the North Star Ballroom, 635 N. Killingsworth Ct, Portland, OR
The Family Dance Party is a family event and will feature a DJ, bubbles floating over the dance floor, face painting, and healthy snacks and drinks for kids and adults. Adults must be accompanied by a child! Advance tickets are only $7 each for dancers 12 and over (kids under 12 accompanied by an adult are FREE! ). Purchase your tickets on-line at www.llldanceparty.com.